He had me in stitches

Posted by R. Berg January 24, 2002In reply to He had me in stitches...? posted by Jeni on January 24, 2002

Does anyone know the origin of this phrase?

My guess: It means he made me laugh until my sides hurt. "Stitch" originally meant a sharp thrust or stab. As early as the year 1000 it was used for an acute spasmodic pain in the side, as if stabbed (Oxford English Dictionary).