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The Wild Purple

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What's the tackiest thing ever?

Rock Candy on a hot summer's day?
Melted asphalt under gum caught trainers?
An old squash racket grip with glue leaking out?
Rock Candy on a hot summer's day?
Melted asphalt under gum caught trainers?
An old squash racket grip with glue leaking out?

Exploring the Origins of "Brass Tacks"

New York of Yore

The Origins of the Phrase "Brass Tacks"

The phrase "brass tacks" first started appearing in print in the early 20th century. The September 5, 1907 edition of the New York Tribune contained one of the earliest known uses of the idiom, stating that a political speech "got down to brass tacks when it discussed the currency question." This and other early uses make clear the phrase was already commonly understood at this time. Cut metal we say.