QUESTION: Why do men's clothes have buttons on the right while women's clothes have buttons on the left?
ANSWER: When buttons were invented, they were very expensive and worn primarily by the rich. Because wealthy women were dressed by maids, dressmakers put the buttons on the maid's right. Since most people are right-handed, it is easier to push the left. And that's where women's buttons have remained since.
QUESTION: Why are people in the public eye said to be "in the limelight"?
ANSWER: Invented in 1825, limelight was used in lighthouses and stage lighting by burning a cylinder of lime which produced a brilliant light. In the theater, performers on stage "in the limelight" were seen by the audience to be the center of attention.
QUESTION: Why do ships and aircraft in trouble use "mayday" as their call for help?
ANSWER: This comes from the French word m'aidez -meaning "help me" -- and is pronounced "mayday,"
ANSWER: When buttons were invented, they were very expensive and worn primarily by the rich. Because wealthy women were dressed by maids, dressmakers put the buttons on the maid's right. Since most people are right-handed, it is easier to push the left. And that's where women's buttons have remained since.
QUESTION: Why are people in the public eye said to be "in the limelight"?
ANSWER: Invented in 1825, limelight was used in lighthouses and stage lighting by burning a cylinder of lime which produced a brilliant light. In the theater, performers on stage "in the limelight" were seen by the audience to be the center of attention.
QUESTION: Why do ships and aircraft in trouble use "mayday" as their call for help?
ANSWER: This comes from the French word m'aidez -meaning "help me" -- and is pronounced "mayday,"