4/24/09

Brit' Word of the Day

Today's BWOTD is a popular phrase:

"The whole place was chock-a-block"

'Chock-a-block' = closely packed together

This is nearly always used to describe a place or situation as being packed tight with things or people. It is believed the origin comes from our maritime history, and refers to when a block and tackle were jammed against each other to stop the load moving on a ship.

It also often abbreviated to just 'chocka'.

11 comments:

Pam said...

This is one I've adopted myself! And no real American equivalent. Hope all is well with you guys, when is your trip to Chitown?

SSQuo said...

I knew this one! Do I win something? :(

Unknown said...

You win a big ole Brit' pat on the back ;-)

Kim said...

I lived in England for 3 years about 16 years ago. I remember that saying!

Anonymous said...

I recall this word in one of your previous blogs. Repeat? I remember commenting then that I use the word "chockful" of something.

Vickie said...

I think I've always thought (oh, wait...is that a double think?..do they cancel each other out?)...anyway, that chock-a-block was a big mixed up mess of schtuff. Thank you for clarifying. = )

Mary (Bookfan) said...

I've always liked this one. Not sure why but maybe because it almost sounds like chocolate???

Lynn said...

Thanks so much for all these Brit words. Very interesting. I've already heard a lot of them but sometimes I hear or read a word and I'm not sure of the exact meaning so this is very helpful.

Its Just Me - Daring to Dream said...

I've heard of things being chock-full of something, I guess it came from your saying...well what do you know? :)

Unknown said...

Gigi, yes I am repeating some BWOTD's as I mentioned a couple of months back. I now have many more readers and people seem to enjoy them so much.

SandyCarlson said...

Now I know! Thanks. I enjoy these posts.