2006-07-21 17:08:41 · 3 answers · asked by Matthew B 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
I believe there are two possible sources.
1) When telephones were first used people used to say "telephone number" instead of just "number" as we say today. So when it was shortened people started to say "I've got your number" meaning I have your telephone number.
2) In the military a bullet or bomb might be someones destiny to die from. The randomness of death in war prompted some to say "this bullet has your number on it" meaning they were going to die from that shot or explosion.
I think when popular sports started using numbers to identify players the saying was transfered to sports. This is the most common way we hear it today.
2006-07-21 17:31:22 · answer #1 · answered by cancerman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brett Favre LET Michael Strahan have his number. It was a gimme.
2006-07-22 00:14:01 · answer #2 · answered by Stranger in a Strangeland 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it's because athletes wear numbers.
2006-07-22 00:12:41 · answer #3 · answered by Farly the Seer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋