The phrase "bandy about" is commonly used to describe the act of discussing something casually or tossing an idea around. The word "bandy" comes from the 16th-century French verb "bander," which means "to strike back and forth." In English, "bandy" is spelled [ban-dee], with stress on the first syllable. The American pronunciation may have a slightly longer vowel sound, but the spelling remains the same. So next time you bandy about a new concept with your colleagues, you can impress them with your knowledge of the word's origins.
The phrase "bandy about" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of discussing or mentioning something in a casual or light-hearted manner, often without much thought or consideration. It is often used when ideas, opinions, or suggestions are tossed around in conversation without any concrete or serious intention behind them.
The term "bandy about" can also imply that a particular topic or subject is being passed from one person to another without any substantial progress or resolution. It suggests a lack of focus or commitment to reaching a definitive conclusion in the discussion.
The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as in informal conversations, debates, or brainstorming sessions. People may bandy about ideas, proposals, or plans during these interactions, allowing for different perspectives and input to be considered without necessarily committing to any specific course of action.
Additionally, "bandy about" can sometimes be used to describe a situation where a word, phrase, or concept is used frequently or lightly in a conversation without fully understanding its meaning or implications. In such cases, the term is employed to illustrate that the subject is being thrown around casually, perhaps in an attempt to impress or sound knowledgeable, but without genuine comprehension or depth of understanding.
In summary, "bandy about" refers to the act of discussing or mentioning something casually or lightly, without committing to any specific outcome or demonstrating a deep understanding of the topic.
The phrase "bandy about" has its origins in two separate words: "bandy" and "about".
- The term "bandy" can be traced back to the mid-16th century and is derived from the Old French word "bander", meaning "to strike back and forth". In its early usage, "bandy" referred to a game similar to hockey, played with curved sticks and a ball. Over time, the term expanded its meaning to describe something that is passed back and forth or tossed from one person to another, much like the ball in the game of bandy.
- The word "about" originates from the Old English word "abutan", which means "on the outside", "around", or "in all directions". In the context of the phrase "bandy about", "about" indicates that something is being passed or discussed in various directions or by different people.