What does it mean to "beat the buckets"? The meaning and origin of the expression "beat the buckets"

Over time, many words and expressions in the Russian language are rethought and lose value. Most often this is due to the fact that objects and phenomena, called such terms, disappear from everyday life. Because of this, very many combinations become stable expressions, often completely unrelated to the original meaning. Few people know about where the turnovers took place, which are often used in our speech. For example, the expression "to beat the buckets" now means not quite what it was in antiquity. After all, there was a very real thing - a bucket, and it was often used by our ancestors. Therefore, this expression was clear to everyone without explanation.

Current value of turnover

And what does it mean to "beat the buckets" now? Almost no one understands the meaning of these words, such an expression is called phraseology, or an idiom. Every modern person knows that if someone is doing nothing, doing nothing, then he can say: "Enough to beat the bucks!" This expression denotes idle pastime, idleness and laziness. In this sense, this combination of words has been used for several centuries. And about the person who is engaged in nonsense, instead of working, shirking the case or choosing a lesson easier, they say: "He beats the buckets".

Such a combination of words has several synonyms, for example, idling, being lazy or loafing. But in fiction or in conversation to enhance the expressiveness of speech, often use the phrase "to beat the buckets". And all at once it is clear what attitude the speaker has to what is happening.

What did the word "bucket" mean?

In ancient times this word was very common and meant small wooden chocks, slightly rounded on one side. They served as a material for making dishes (most often spoons) and other household utensils. The tree in those days was the most common material in Russia, almost everyone was making something for the house from it. Therefore, everyone knew the process of making buckets. This subject, and with it the word, were familiar and familiar.

Was there an expression in ancient times to "beat the buckets"?

This turn in such a stable combination began to be used not so long ago. The word "trench" was known to everyone, so it was used with many words. Why exactly "beat the buckets"? There are several versions of the origin of the expression.

Less common, but most believable is the version of the night watchmen. They in olden times bypassed the protected territory and knocked at the clatter, wooden chocks, which were called baklushi. The lesson was not difficult, did not require special qualifications and skills, it was necessary just to be present at work. Therefore, when a person does nothing, sitting at work, idle, it is believed that he beats buckets.

Another no less interesting version is the origin of the expression from the name of any shallow pond in the Volga region. Once in such lakes during the flood, the fish in winter begins to suffocate from lack of oxygen. And if you break the ice, then often it jumps out itself. In great frosts without much effort you can catch a lot of fish. The process of such fishing is called local "beat the buckets".

The most common version of the origin of expression

But most often you can find another explanation of the meaning of this combination of words. Most scientists are inclined to think that the turn to "beat the buckets" used to mean the preparation of a piece for wooden spoons and other utensils. Wood was the main material for household items, so the process of whipping the buckets was very common. This is an easy exercise 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 hard work, so in modern language the expression passed in such a meaning.

How did the process of hitting the buckets go?

But in fact, this work was not so simple to consider it as idleness. Yes, in order to split the log into several flat tufts, you do not need a special mind. But it was necessary to clear the log from the bark, slabs and any growths, and also to round it off on one side. In addition, it was very important to choose the right tree (most often used aspen or linden), from which it is easiest to cut out spoons.

Opponents of this version of the origin of the argument argue their opinion by the fact that the word "beat" can not be applied to such work. But the process of making bottles did not end there. The cooked chock was then chiseled with a special knead to make a groove for the spoon. All this together and was called "to beat the buckets". Children and teenagers coped with work, easily making up to 100 bucks for a day.

Where now you can try to beat the buckets

Of course, everyone who likes to hang around, who at work shirks business and drinks another cup of coffee or chatters with colleagues about anything, beats the buckshot. But, speaking of such people, we use this expression in a figurative sense, in its stable combination. Is it possible to really try to beat the buckets? Yes, there is such an opportunity.

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 are able to do such a "simple" job - to beat the buckets. In fact, for a modern person this is difficult, and the expression will be perceived by you in a different way.

In addition, in the museum you can visit the master class of the famous spoonboys and see with your own eyes how the bacchus turns into a beautiful spoon. What spoons there are not there! They differ not only in painting and external design, but also in shapes, sizes and even names.

The meaning and origin of the most common phraseological phrases are studied in school. But not everyone can explain what it means to "beat the buckets". If the word has gone out of use, its meaning has been forgotten, and now only such museums as in Semibratovo help to preserve the history and culture of the people. However, the value of obsolete words must be known to every person who wants to use all the possibilities of the great Russian language.