Spic(k) and span

Posted by Bruce Kahl January 18, 2001In reply to Spic(k) and span posted by vinnie rinaldi on January 18, 2001

Spick and span means 'clean and tidy', per the archives.. anyone know where it came from?? thanks!
Vinnie

Main Entry: spick-and-span
Variant(s): or spic-and-span /"spik-&n(d)-'span, "spik-&[ng]-/
Function: adjective
Etymology: short for spick-and-span-new, from obsolete English spick spike + English and + span-new brand-new
Date: 1665
1 : FRESH, BRAND-NEW
2 : spotlessly clean

Replies

Spic(k) and span Bruce Kahl 01/18/01
- Spic(k) and span vinnie rinaldi 01/19/01