Well, if finally happened. Namely, I got sufficiently interested to look up the origin of "beyond the pale." It's not that I use the phrase every day but I've heard it more than a few times and, although the meaning is clear (as in – that is SO out there, it's really beyond the pale) I couldn't really see how the word pale had anything logical to do with the phrase. So I looked it up.
Continue reading That's totally beyond the pale
As an Aussie, I've never heard the phrase in my life… But I guess we have our own odd phrases that you probably haven't heard much.
Triovana – Such as …?
My understanding of the saying is that comes from the "Pale of Russia", which refers to the steppes region. Beyond the Pale is what got Napoleon in such trouble!
.-= Nelson´s last blog ..Peace Tree =-.
I would guess that "pale" in this sense is related to the word "palisade", also.
Nelson – There were actually a few "pales." The Irish pale is perhaps the most widely known.
Dunx – I believe you are right.
The root word "palisade" sounds right to me since it refers to the edge of settlement. Beyond the pale is wilderness and barbarians…not someplace you'd get a good cup of coffee!