Scott Free/scotch free

Posted by Bob on January 08, 2003

In Reply to: Scott Free/scotch free posted by R. Berg on January 07, 2003

: : The origin of the phrase "scott free" lies in the original wording, "scotch free". "Scotch" is used in this sense to be a scratch, mar, or scar, particularly in a grid pattern. Similar uses of "scotch" in this context include "butterscotch", (made with butter, has to be sliced up in the pan after cooling), "hop=scotch", (a child's game that in part involves "hop"-ping over grid lines /"scotches") and "Scotch plaid", (refering to the regular gridwork formed by the boundaries of the different colors/patterns). Hence, to escape "scott free" is emerge from a dangerous circumstance without even a scratch or mark, much less more severe damage.

: Interesting idea, but where's the evidence? Another section of this site discusses "scot free":
: www.phrases.org.uk meanings fallacy.htm

I was Scotch-free for almost 24 hours, but it's that damned commute, and the availability of ice cubes that's my downfall.