There is a saying, "the Greeks had a word for it..."

Is that an unattributable folk expression, or is there a source?

In searching, I have not found an attribution, but have found many delightful examples, unexpectedly apt Greek words adapted to contemporary use. (Perhaps that is a new theme for Vocabulary forum?)

quote:

the Greeks had a word for it

Great question, Robert! I have been searching the Web for who said it, and haven't found it yet. However, in the meantime I found this article about words in other languages. I particularly liked the German word Zechpreller, meaning one who leaves without paying the bill. Also, a while ago I asked on this board if there were an English word to talking to oneself, but it doesn't seem to exist. However, the Chinese have a word chenyin, meaning "muttering to oneself." You can see some cultural differences here, too. For example, the Dutch word queesting means "allowing a lover access to one's bed, under the covers, for a chit-chat. Compare that with the Italian word, pomicione, meaning "a man who seizes any chance of being in close physical contact with a woman."

I still haven't found a word in any language for navel lint, though.

Wikipedia calls it fluff.

Tinman

It seems the phrase originates from the title of a play (1930) by Zoe Akins (1886-1958).

Only on Wordcraft...thanks, Zmj. I would have guessed the quote was much older.

I said seems, and I still think that perhaps Wordcraft will find an earlier citation as is their wont.