Quantcast
A Way with Words, public radio's lively language call-in show, hosted by Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett.
Listen | Newsletter | Ask a Question | Donate Now | Sponsorship |Discussion Forums
Discussion Forums | Start a New Discussion
 
You must be logged in to post Login Register
Search Forums:


 






Minimum search word length is 4 characters – Maximum search word length is 84 characters
Wildcard Usage:
*  matches any number of characters    %  matches exactly one character

Home Discussion Forum Episodes Sleep tight

 

A Way with Words is supported in part by:

 

The University of San Diego   National University: Change your future today.

Sleep tight
Page:   1  
UserPost

3:23PM
Feb-01-12


carolsj

Member

posts 4
Print this Post
1
0

I always thought sleeping tight sounded kind of tense and not very relaxed, so I prefer "sleep loose". To the kids I will say "sleep sweet" or "sleep with angels".

3:30PM
Feb-01-12


EmmettRedd

Admin

posts 412
Print this Post
2
0

Post edited 3:36PM – Feb-01-12 by EmmettRedd

But yours do not rhyme:

Good night.
Sleep tight.
Don"t let the
Bedbugs bite.

BTW, I do not know if this has anything to do with it. But, when my son was an infant, he was much more comfortable wrapped tightly in his blanket. If he wasn"t, he would not sleep well. I assume he became used to and was very comfortable in the close quarters of his mother"s womb.

Emmett

5:14PM
Feb-04-12


Rebecca Quinlan

Member

posts 4
Print this Post
3
0

as  docents at a 1750 historical home, we learned the origin of the term was from tightening the ropes on the bed frame.  the rope frame held a straw-stuffed mattress and when the ropes loosened from use they used was a wooden key-like implement to tighten them…hence "sleep tight."  
Page:   1  
Topic RSS