And now for something completely random

[kitchen_kink]

I was walking through a small field of clover today and I thought: who came up with the expression "the luck of the Irish"? Speaking in terms of historical suffering and persecution, wouldn't that be like referring to "the luck of the Jews"?!

Comments

[number42.livejournal.com]

http://hnn.us/articles/623.html

"Luck of the Irish" Refers to the Abundance of Good Fortune Long Enjoyed by the Irish

Really? What sort of luck is it that brings about 1,000 years of invasion, colonization, exploitation, starvation and mass emigration? In truth, this term has a happier, if not altogether positive, American origin. During the gold and silver rush years in the second half of the 19th century, a number of the most famous and successful miners were of Irish and Irish American birth. For example, James Fair, James Flood, William O'Brien and John Mackay were collectively known as the "Silver Kings" after they hit the famed Comstock Lode. Over time this association of the Irish with mining fortunes led to the expression "luck of the Irish." Of course, it carried with it a certain tone of derision, as if to say, only by sheer luck, as opposed to brains, could these fools succeed.

[unknownrockstar.livejournal.com]

I often say "aye, tis the luck o' th' Jews" in an Irish accent when something goes my way, lol.

yeah really, potato famine, the troubles, such luck! :p nice to have learned the origin though thanks to your pal #42

[poly-fi.livejournal.com]

That made me laugh out loud! Thank you!

[imvfd.livejournal.com]

Well, one could say that they're lucky to still be around after all that shit.

[rosif3r.livejournal.com]

don't forget "sleeps like a baby"

um, every new parent i know is sleep deprived because their baby wakes up at random times and destroys thier sleep in the process.

i get the feeling that (just like the internets) sarcasm or facetious tone get lost but the words remain...