Over time, many words and expressions in the Russian language are rethought and lose their meaning. Most often this happens due to the fact that objects and phenomena called by such terms disappear from everyday life. Because of this, many combinations become stable expressions, often completely unrelated to the original meaning. Few people know where the turns came from, which are still often used in our speech. For example, the expression "to beat the buckets" now means not quite what it was in ancient times. After all, there was a very real object - a baklusha, and it was often used by our ancestors. Therefore, this expression was clear to everyone without explanation.
Modern turnover value
What does it mean to "beat the thumbs" now? Almost no one understands the meaning of these words, such an expression is called a phraseological unit, or an idiom. Every modern person knows that if someone is messing around, doing nothing, then he can be told: "Enough to beat the thumbs!" This expression means idle pastime, idleness and laziness. ATIn this sense, this combination of words has been used for several centuries. And about a person who is engaged in nonsense, instead of working, shirks from business or chooses an easier task, they say: "He beats the thumbs."
This combination of words has several synonyms, for example, to sit back, be lazy or loafer. But in fiction or in conversation, to enhance the expressiveness of speech, the expression "beat the buckets" is often used. And it is immediately clear to everyone what the speaker has to do with what is happening.
What did the word "baklusha" mean?
In ancient times, this word was very common and meant small wooden chocks, slightly rounded on one side. They served as material for the manufacture of dishes (most often spoons) and other household utensils. Wood in those days was the most common material in Russia, almost everyone made something for the house from it. Therefore, everyone was familiar with the process of making baklush. This item, and with it the word, were familiar and familiar.
Was there an expression in ancient times to "beat the thumbs"?
This turnover in such a stable combination began to be used not so long ago. The word "baklusha" was known to everyone, therefore it was used with many words. Why exactly "beat the buckets"? There are several versions of the origin of the expression.
Less common, but the most plausible is the version of the night watchmen. In the old days they went around the protected area and knocked on mallets,wooden chocks, which were called buckets. This occupation was simple, did not require special qualifications and skills, you just had to be present at work. Therefore, when a person does nothing while sitting at work, doing nothing, it is considered that he beats the thumbs.
Another no less interesting version is the origin of the expression from the name of any shallow reservoir in the Volga region. Once in such lakes during the flood, the fish begins to suffocate in winter from a lack of oxygen. And if you break the ice, then often she jumps out herself. In severe frosts, without much effort, you can catch a lot of fish. The locals call the process of such fishing "beating the buckets".
The most common version of the origin of the expression
But most often you can find another explanation for the meaning of this combination of words. Most scientists are inclined to think that the turnover "to beat the buckets" used to mean the manufacture of blanks for wooden spoons and other utensils. Wood was the main material for household utensils, so the process of beating the buckets was very common. This is an easy task that does not require special knowledge and skills. Even a ten-year-old child could easily cope with such a thing. Often they laughed at such work, so the expression passed into the modern language in this sense.
How did the process of beating the bucks take place?
But in fact, this work was not so simple as to be considered idleness. Yes, to split a log into several flat chocks,special mind is not needed. But it was also necessary to clean the log from bark, slabs and any growths, and also round off on one side. In addition, it was very important to choose the right tree (aspen or linden was most often used), from which it is easiest to carve spoons.
Opponents of this version of the origin of the expression argue that the word "beat" cannot be applied to such work. But the process of making a baklush did not end there. The prepared chock was then hollowed out with a special adze to make a recess for the spoon. All this together was called "beat the buckets." Children and teenagers coped with the work, easily making up to 100 bucks a day.
Where now you can try to beat the thumbs
Of course, everyone who likes to sit back, who at work shirks from business and drinks another cup of coffee or chats with colleagues about anything, hits the thumbs. But, speaking of such people, we use this expression in a figurative sense, in its stable combination. Is it really possible to try to beat the buckets? Yes, there is a possibility.
In the Yaroslavl region - in the ancient village of Semibratovo - there is a museum. It is there that you can learn the famous Russian craft - to beat the buckets. You will not only get acquainted with the whole process, but also try to do it yourself. And after that you will be able to determine whether you can handle such a "simple" task - to beat the buckets. In fact, for a modern person it is difficult, and the expression will be perceived by you alreadyanother.
Besides, in the museum you can attend a master class of the famous spoons and see with your own eyes how a baklusha turns into a beautiful spoon. There are no spoons! They differ not only in painting and appearance, but also in shapes, sizes and even names.
The meaning and origin of the most common phraseological units are studied at school. But not every person can explain what it means to "beat the buckets." If the word has fallen into disuse, then its meaning has been forgotten, and now only such museums as in Semibratovo help to preserve the history and culture of the people. However, every person who wants to use all the possibilities of the great Russian language needs to know the meaning of obsolete words.
