expressions linked to a colour

[cacian]

my favourite so far is
''brownie points''
a self contradictory expression in itself:

1) in modern usage are a hypothetical social currency, which can be acquired by doing good deeds or earning favor in the eyes of another, often one's superior.
and on the other hand
2)In New Zealand slang, the expression also carries the derisory connotation of having accomplished something petty or otherwise unimportant.

one conjucture of its etymology:
A popular, but unproven, etymology is an allusion to the merit badges obtained by Brownies for carrying out good deeds. Baroness Olave Baden-Powell (wife of founder, Robert Baden-Powell) named the Brownies after a kind [B]of mythological elf that does helpful things around the house.

how odd I thought. is that linked to a fairy tale?

do you have a favourite or one that you use often?

[YesNo]

There is "red herring" using the color red. I don't use the term because I don't really understand what it means although wikipedia does have a whole article giving a definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_herring

If I heard "brownie points", I would be thinking of it similar to the second definition you gave.

[Calidore]

There is "red herring" using the color red. I don't use the term because I don't really understand what it means although wikipedia does have a whole article giving a definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_herring


The most common usage of "red herring" I see is in the context of a mystery story, where something is set up to look like an important clue in order to tempt the reader down a false path.

Other color expressions that come to mind: "Feeling blue" for sadness, "seeing red" for anger, and simply "yellow" for cowardice.

[cacian]

The most common usage of "red herring" I see is in the context of a mystery story, where something is set up to look like an important clue in order to tempt the reader down a false path.

another perhaps meaning to it a trap.
it is interesting because on one hand a herring is a fish.
but then I am thinking ''hair raising'' could be short for ''herring/ hair/ring''.


Other color expressions that come to mind: "Feeling blue" for sadness, "seeing red" for anger, and simply "yellow" for cowardice.
yellow for cowardice I have never heard of.

[cacian]

another expression
'''green with envy'' to suggest jealousy.
and of course
''pink glasses'' or ''la vie en rose''.
and
''going blue in the face'' to suggest anger.

[Paulclem]

I thought it was red in the face to suggest anger. Isn't blue in the face indicative of a heart attack? Cyanosis?

[Delta40]

To have a face as black as thunder - which does no justice to your pearlie whites!

I have heard the expression of going blue in the face as an expression of shock.

[YesNo]

There is also "purple prose". I can't remember where on Lit Net I heard this term for the first time.

[papayahed]

huh. I always assumed Brownie points" refered to those moist little cake-like treats.

[Delta40]

huh. I always assumed Brownie points" refered to those moist little cake-like treats.

Lol. In that case, in this age of ever increasing obesity, I guess we've all been good little cookies!

[cacian]

There is also "purple prose". I can't remember where on Lit Net I heard this term for the first time.

that reminds me 'purple rain' by Prince.
purple prose is a style of writing I think.

[Helga]

The most common usage of "red herring" I see is in the context of a mystery story, where something is set up to look like an important clue in order to tempt the reader down a false path.

Other color expressions that come to mind: "Feeling blue" for sadness, "seeing red" for anger, and simply "yellow" for cowardice.

in every single episode of a pup named scooby doo, Fred tries to convince the gang that the baddie is red herring, in that case red herring is a red haired bully who is always innocent.

I know that with roses colour is important, yellow for friends, red for love, white for death I think.... the green eyed monster is of course jealousy and also being blue eyed meaning innocent I guess or maybe simple.

[YesNo]

that reminds me 'purple rain' by Prince.
purple prose is a style of writing I think.

Yeah, purple rain. Nice song. That reminds me of "white Christmas".

[The Kid]

Well, my least favorite is the term "Black" to mean something evil or bad. I don't know where this comes from, but on instinct of course it sounds racial.

I don't really know what "white noise" and "black light" mean. If I used these terms I might as well start describing noises as delicious or colors as voluminous, or physical textures as bright.