History of words and phrases

Big-Stick Diplomacy: A political catchphrase that describes diplomatic negotiations backed up by the threat of military force.

Heebee Jeebies: To make a person uncomfortably nervous. First used in a cartoon in 1923.

Safari: In Swahili a "safari" is any journey. The term was made popular by nineteenth century English explorer Sir Richard Burton.

Under the table: During World War II, dishonest businessmen would keep articles and foodstuff "under the table," for sale to favored customers, usually at inflated prices. The term is still used today to describe any illicit trading.