kick the bucket

[jojo22]

Kick the bucket. it does mean you've die. (he's kicked the bucket) It's from abbortoirs (slaughter house) a bucket was suspended below the animal to collect the blood once it's throat was slit. As the animal dies it spasm's and jerks and the feet will 'kick the bucket'. don't know the date, but it's old and it's cockney I think. cheers Jo x

[davec]

Welcome aboard.

In America, we all think that 'kick the bucket' referred to a method of hanging onself, kicking the bucket out from under your feet. Never heard any other references.

According to Wikipedia, that is a possible English Middle Ages meaning. Also, 'bucket', from French 'buque', refers to a beam from which something is suspended, such as an animal in a slaughterhouse, which the animal may well have kicked. Interestingly, such a beam is still called a bucket in Norfolk dialect, according to the article. Of course, 'still' these days probably means 'Norfolk people over the age of 95 know the word', not 'teenagers use it daily'. But maybe they do.

They also mention that Catholics used to place a bucket of holy water at the feet of the deceased, so mourners could sprinkle the body at the funeral. They don't quite clarify the 'kicking' reference in this instance, though.

And there could be others, such as the one you mention. People certainly got on with the business of speaking quite well for a long time before they could document every jot and tittle!! Can you find us a reference using your meaning?

In the film It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Jimmy Durante dies on a hillside, lurches his foot out as he dies--and kicks a bucket downhill.

[SepticTone]

In America, we all think that 'kick the bucket' referred to a method of hanging onself, kicking the bucket out from under your feet. Never heard any other references.

It just means you're dead.

If you're hanging yourself, standing on a bucket with a rope around your neck tied to a beam, then kick the bucket away, you just end up standing on the floor with a noose round your head. I know, as I just tried it, much to the amusement of my wife & cat, just to prove my theory.

Maybe I'd cut myself too much slack?

Dave: you forgot to add the Parental Advisory "Do Not Try This at Home". You never know how many England supporters are reading this & practising prior to the England/Germany match tomorrow.

( This is a Joke, alright!! ) for you ingenues.

Oh, & btw, the US football team at the World Cup are, to coin a phrase, 'awesome'. At last you've got a chance of competing on equal terms with the best in the world at a proper global sport, & I sincerely hope the US get to the final. Imagine that? England vs. US in the World Cup?

OK OK, I've had one too many pear ciders while watching Glastonbury in the sunshine this afternoon.

[davec]

B&Q has special two-foot-high buckets just for the purpose, as well as braided manila rope which doesn't stretch as much as some ropes. Both are on sale. Have another go and get back to us. Well, you or your cat.

[SepticTone]

Went to B&Q, got the big bucket.
Tried it.
Couldn't kick the bucket as my feet wouldn't move.
Is there any particular way round you have to put the bucket?

[davec]

Right.

Maybe you should just put in on your head and wander into traffic. Just to clarify, that would be in the inverted position. Imagine it's a medieval knight's helmet without the visor, the rim resting on your shoulders.

Only trying to help.

Be sure to yell 'What ho, varlets!!'

[SepticTone]

I think that's quite enough of that now. We've strayed into 'Father Ted' territory here, I suspect & are losing viewers.

[taly]

There's an old cliche from Westerns that a cowboy wants to die with his boots on.

Presumedly, so he doesn't stub his toe when he kicks the bucket.

[SepticTone]

You've lost me.
Was that American humour?

We have a token American humorist here in the UK. Rich Hall.

He's mainly on 'QI', but doesn't say much, as the others would just take the piss out of him & I don't think he's quick enough without a gun to counter them.

He now has his own BBC TV series, in which he explains all things about America. He is from North Carolina & is laconic, & wears a big hat.

He is sardonic & polemical & extremely sarcastic & sometimes funny. Not at all like our preconceptions of a Septic. My wife likes him. He is being paid for this by my tax. He's landed on his feet then.

http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/ ... 6415244.jp

[taly]

Yes, it's just a silly pun; not worth explanation.

Rich Hall was a little sharper 20 years ago. I think he's always been a better writer than performer.

Here's my favorite joke. Fewer people get it these days.

Why are some crickets louder than others?
Corduroy pants.