Know Your Onions

We are barrelling right in to 2020, which will mean our dictionaries will gain a few words or two before the year's end. That made me think about words and phrases from a century ago.

Do you know your onions?
That phrase was first used in print in the US early in the year of 1922 in a Harper's Bazaar issue. Whether or not it originated here is debatable. No one really knows who to credit, but it is an interesting phrase that needs some renewed attention in the 21st century, in my opinion.

It means to know your stuff. If I were to say my pastor or my mechanic, my grocer or my stylist knows their onions, that's a compliment. I would be acknowledging expertise - knowledge and application of such for the good of many without boasting. A phrase worth reconsidering in 2020.

*Don't claim to know your onions if you don't. You will eventually be found out; self and others may suffer. A little bit of know-how can cause a heap o' trouble and raise a big stink.

*Strive with passion to know your onions about something. It's never too late. Knowledge surrounds us in print, audio and video at the nimble click of an icon. We need enthusiastic, informed people to lead the way in every field to improve and enrich daily lives.

*Don't hesitate to admit you don't know your onions. Being able to identify one is not the same thing. Start the search for someone who knows theirs. They're out there and willing to share.

*Don't worry about someone else's onions. Tend to your own. Time is short as it is. I like this French phrase for minding your own business: Occupez-vous de vos oignons. (Take care of your onions).

*Don't be bashful about planting onion seeds. Someone will notice and adopt them if you run out of time or energy. We will always need planters.

May your onion beds flourish in 2020!