Has Elvis Left the Building? Trivia Quiz

Answer: "Pulling a Houdini"

"Pulling a Houdini" refers to a quick and unexplained exit. The expression refers, of course, to the noted performer Harry Houdini, who was famous for his ability to escape from even the most intricate restraints.

Harry Houdini died in 1926 at the age of 52.

Answer: "Keeping up with the Joneses"

The phrase "keeping up with the Joneses" describes the desire to equal (or outdo) neighbors and friends with possessions and accomplishments. There are several explanations for the origin, including the story of American author Edith Wharton's father, George Frederic Jones. During the nineteenth century, the wealthy Mr. Jones and his friends were well known for their lavish lifestyles and spending habits.

Answer: Excessive optimism

Borrowed from a 1913 novel of the same name, a "Pollyanna" is always finding the "bright side" of everything, often seeming unrealistic or even naive.

Answer: "Hogan's goat"

This expression is often used to describe anything that is dirty, "fouled up", or just plain ugly! One theory of its origin concerns corrupt New York City politicians during the nineteenth century while several others claim a basis in US military slang. Another describes an extremely foul-smelling goat owned by a European farmer named Hogan during the 1850s.

At any rate, any comparison to this unfortunate creature is not complimentary!

Answer: housecat

The origin is unknown but this expression, along with "Adam's off ox" is commonly used in the Southern US when referring to anyone we don't recognize.

Answer: Sam Hill

There are many theories for the origin of this one. Samuel Hill, a nineteenth century surveyor in northern Michigan, was reputed to use such foul language that others began to use his name as a substitute for questionable expressions while speaking in mixed company.

Another possibility refers to the Sam Hill Mercantile, an Arizona dry goods store that stocked such a diverse and odd inventory that customers were often prompted to ask the names of particular items.

Answer: The rest room

This nickname for the bathroom is just one of many from the early twentieth century, when such "delicate" topics were never directly referenced in polite conversation. The expression originates from "murphy closet", which was a name given to early bathrooms, and the 1940s novel "Cheaper By the Dozen" mentions this euphemism several times.

(My own grandmother often said this and would have been absolutely mortified to hear such matters discussed openly, particularly in mixed company!)

Answer: He's extremely shocked and surprised

"John Brown" is a polite way of expressing disbelief or frustration. It's widely assumed that the expression is a reference to the pre-Civil War abolitionist, who shocked his neighbors by attempting to incite an armed rebellion among slaves.

Answer: He's inebriated

Legend tells of a man who avoided military service by staying drunk throughout the US Civil War. Although there's some debate about whether or not he actually existed, the expression "drunker than Cooter Brown" needs no further explanation!

Answer: "Doubting Thomas"

The apostle Thomas questioned the other disciples when they told him they'd seen the resurrected Jesus and refused to believe them until he witnessed the miracle with his own eyes. This widely used expression is still used frequently to describe anyone who questions things he or she hasn't seen or touched.