America's Secret Slang Season 1 Episode 2 Them's Fighting Words

America's Secret Slang is a TV series that explores the hidden history behind the words we use every day in America. Season 1 episode 2, Them's Fighting Words, delves into the origins and meanings of common phrases associated with fighting and violence.

The episode opens with a scene from a classic western movie where the hero declares, "This town ain't big enough for the both of us." The narrator explains that this phrase has become synonymous with confrontation and serves as a warning to get out of someone's way.

Next, we learn about the phrase "to throw down the gauntlet," which means to issue a challenge. The origin of this phrase dates back to medieval times when knights would wear metal gloves called gauntlets. If a knight wanted to challenge another, he would throw down his gauntlet, signaling his intention to fight.

The episode then delves into the world of boxing. We learn about the phrase "put up your dukes," which is a reference to the Duke of Wellington, a famous British general who was known for his strategic fighting skills. This phrase came to represent the act of putting up one's fists to fight.

Another boxing-related phrase discussed is "below the belt," which refers to hitting your opponent in the groin area, which is considered an unfair move. The origin of this phrase dates back to bare-knuckle boxing matches where there were no rules governing where you could or couldn't hit.

Moving on from boxing, the episode explores the world of street gangs. We learn about the phrase "throwing shade," which means to insult or criticize someone indirectly. This phrase has roots in the gang culture of the 1980s where gang members would use their hand gestures and body language to communicate insults without directly confronting each other.

The episode also touches on the phrase "make my day," which gained popularity in the 1980s thanks to the Clint Eastwood movie Dirty Harry. In the film, Eastwood delivers the iconic line, "Go ahead, make my day," as a warning to his enemies. The phrase has since become a catchphrase for anyone looking to assert their dominance.

Moving on to the world of law and order, the episode explores the phrase "book 'em, Danno," which is a famous catchphrase from the TV show Hawaii Five-O. The phrase was uttered by the character Steve McGarrett to his sidekick Danny Williams whenever they caught a criminal. The phrase has since become a cultural icon, representing the idea of justice being served.

The episode also delves into the origins of the phrase "cop a plea," which means to plead guilty to a lesser crime in exchange for a reduced sentence. The phrase dates back to the 1930s when it was common for suspects to "cop" to a lesser charge rather than face a harsher punishment.

Lastly, the episode explores the phrase "let the punishment fit the crime," which is a concept that has been around for centuries. The idea is that the punishment should be proportional to the crime committed. The phrase is often associated with the character Judge Roy Bean who served as a judge and jury in the Wild West.

Overall, America's Secret Slang season 1 episode 2, Them's Fighting Words, is a fascinating exploration of the hidden origins and meanings behind common phrases associated with fighting and violence. From bare-knuckle boxing to street gangs, and from western movies to law and order, this episode offers a unique perspective on the words we use every day.