Which English phrase is often mistakenly thought to derive from rhyming slang for a Hanna-Barbera character, but actually dates back to the 19th century and is of unknown origin?
Question #149914. Asked by
gmackematix.
Last updated Oct 11 2023.
Originally posted Oct 07 2023 7:46 PM.
"Don't have a scoobie" is rhyming slang for "Don't have a clue". It is believed to be of Scottish origin however, is often ascribed to the Hanna-Barbera character "Scoobie Doo".
Ironically, there is a 2006 episode of the cartoon titled "Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get a Clue!"
That said, Wiktionary does indicate that the term emanates from the 19th century and is of unknown origin. Barney, by itself, is slang for an argument or noisy dispute. This also seems to stem back to the 19th century and has an unknown origin. https://www.etymonline.com/word/barney
Response last updated by gtho4 on Oct 11 2023.
Oct 10 2023, 9:08 AM
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