The "This Might Be A Stupid Question, But...." Thread

[Mental Magpie]

Does the phrase "this person is having a cow" comes from the word conniption?

I just made the connection today, and realised I have no idea how to translate conniption in my own mother tongue.

Not that I can tell.  It appears that it comes from the much earlier Scottish phrase of "having kittens".  In short, it was a superstition about witches that turned into a common phrase which morphed as it moved over seas to compare the carrying on (moaning and groaning) one would expect to accompany the birthing of a cow.

[ladyknight1]

Bart Simpson is quite famous for saying "Don't have a cow, man". 

[Dazi]

Does the phrase "this person is having a cow" comes from the word conniption?

I just made the connection today, and realised I have no idea how to translate conniption in my own mother tongue.

I'd say "having a cow" is similar to the phrase "having kittens",  more anxiety related,  IMO.

Conniption is similar in meaning,  but not quite the same ...It's a fit of rage/hysteria and is a common slang phrase in the southern US.  A conniption fit requires hand and body gestures like throwing your arms in the air in FRUSTRATION and eye rolling. I think it's been around since the 1800s, so quite a bit longer than "having a cow".

ETA : it has been suggested that it is a corruption of the word canapshus or captious.

[jpcher]

Why would hair cutting shears require an adult over 21 (proof required) signature for UPS delivery?

How accurate is UPS on their estimated time for next attempt with delivery?

I looks like I'm going to have to take some time off work to accept a package for DD#2 

[squeakers]

Why would hair cutting shears require an adult over 21 (proof required) signature for UPS delivery?

How accurate is UPS on their estimated time for next attempt with delivery?

I looks like I'm going to have to take some time off work to accept a package for DD#2 

Appears to be a CYA move: an adult signed for the package vs just anyone. I've signed for a lot of packages but they have never asked to see proof of my age.*


*wanders over to the "Your "I'm not that old!!!" moments " thread.*

[Slartibartfast]

Babybartfast had surgery almost a month ago.  She STILL has surgical tape residue in several places on her skin.  If it were me I'd just scrub myself raw and hope for the best, but she freaks out if you try anything more than a gentle once-over with a washcloth in the bathtub.  Any suggestions for other ways to get the residue off besides just scrubbing?

[Outdoor Girl]

Non-acetone nail polish remover might do the trick.

Or, strange as it sounds, WD-40.  Maybe try a little mineral oil or baby oil or vegetable oil, though, first, before pulling out the big guns.   

[Marga]

Babybartfast had surgery almost a month ago.  She STILL has surgical tape residue in several places on her skin.  If it were me I'd just scrub myself raw and hope for the best, but she freaks out if you try anything more than a gentle once-over with a washcloth in the bathtub.  Any suggestions for other ways to get the residue off besides just scrubbing?

Benzene should do the trick. Or just make her wear clothing *over* the residue, hoping it will rub off in wear.

[Outdoor Girl]

I wouldn't use benzene on a toddler.

[PastryGoddess]

I second some kind of oil or vaseline.  If that doesn't work, bring out the WD-40

[Ser Lucien Liliane]

Rubbing alcohol can sometimes help, although that usually does involve at least a bit of scrubbing.

You might want to leave a cloth soaked with baby oil over the residue for a while, that might loosen it better than just trying to wipe it off right away.

[Slartibartfast]

I wouldn't use benzene on a toddler.

Guess I should clarify    Babybartfast is 5 1/2 and is in kindergarten.  The residue is on her thigh, her stomach, and the back of her hand - two of the three of which are pretty visible in current weather.

[White Dragon]

I wouldn't use benzene on a toddler.

Guess I should clarify    Babybartfast is 5 1/2 and is in kindergarten.  The residue is on her thigh, her stomach, and the back of her hand - two of the three of which are pretty visible in current weather.

Butter or margarine.
Run it onto the residue, then wash off with soap.
Alternatively, mix the butter with liquid dish soap.
Rub gently with a washcloth.
Slather, rinse, repeat.

Sounds weird, but it works. My mom used it on us we got covered in pitch from climbing pine trees. I used it on my own kids for the same thing and for bandaid residue.
Works like a charm!

[Katana_Geldar]

Nail polish remover dissolves most glues and paints as it's acetone. I once used it to clean spray paint off a glass table when I forgot to put down newspaper.

[Outdoor Girl]

I personally wouldn't use harsh chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin like benzene and acetone, especially near an incision site.

Try an oil.  If it doesn't work, well, it will wear off eventually.