| 词源 |
Jack Robinson. As quick as you can say Jack Robinson has no connection with Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player, though he was quick enough to beat out many a bunt and steal many a base. Notable attempts have been made to trace this 18th-century British phrase, all unsuccessful. One popular explanation, first advanced by Grose, is that the saying has its origin in the habit a certain Jack Robinson had of paying extraordinarily quick visits to his friends, the gentleman leav- ing even before his name could be announced. But Jack Robin- son was probably used in the phrase simply because it is a very common name in England and is easy to pronounce. |