« Disgruntled Mascots | Main | Late Nite with Osama B »
January 19, 2006
Fun Facts: Of Proof and Pudding
Everyone has heard the expression "The Proof is in the Pudding". Most people will tell you that this expression is a shortened, nonsensical version of "The Proof of the Pudding is in the Tasting". Though this is a common misconception, these two idioms are actually unrelated. "The Proof of the Pudding is in the Tasting" dates back to around 1600, and it simply means that one cannot know how good something is until they have had an opportunity to test or experience it for themselves.
However, "The Proof is in the Pudding" is actually a reference to a little known quirk of the French legal system in the early 19th century. At that time, the French courts demanded that all evidence be presented to the judge within a large cauldron of pudding. Historians disagree on the origin of this tradition. Some argue that it dates back to the middle ages, when witnesses were required to place their genitalia in a jelly of congealed goat blood during testimony. The purpose of this was to ensure the honesty of the witness (people in the middle ages were totally fucking CRAZY). Other historians believe that 19th century French judges just happened to be a bunch of fat, custard-gulping bastards.
Now you know. And Knowing is Half the Battle.
Posted by Joey at January 19, 2006 03:52 AM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.joeyheadset.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/15