where does the saying paying through the nose originate from?

Answer 1

As early as the 17th century "rhino" was slang for money; "Rhinos" is Greek for "nose". Noses bleed and someone who pays over the odds can also be said to bleed.
The other explanation goes back to the days of the Danish invasion of Britain. 9th century Danes were particularly strict with their tax laws, especially where "foreigners" were concerned. They levied a particular tax against the Irish called the "Nose Tax"; failure to pay was met by harsh punishment - the debtor had his nose slit open.
Also,in the ancient Egyptian burial custom where the brain was removed through the nostril.This could be a possible origin.
The expression only seems to have come into English at the end of the 17th century and so the "anaemic" version is the most likely to be correct.

Answer 2

In the 18th century British explorers found an unknown indian tribe in the mountains of Uruguay. The studied them and were fascinated by some of their unusual rituals. One of these rituals was their monetary system.
The indians walked around naked so they had no where to put their money. The woman had less money so they mostly only had some coins, which they carried on their heads. Because the men had bills they couldn't do this because it would blow away. So they carried around in their nose. When they went to pay for something, the shop owner would ask: Will that be credit or are you paying through the nose.

Answer 3

It is said that in the 9th century the Danes imposed a poll tax in Ireland and that this was called the 'Nose Tax', because those who didn't pay were punished by having their noses slit. It is highly likely that this is where it originated. Who knows?

Answer 4

Jerusalem

Answer 5

I think it originally came from horses and horse racing.

Answer 6

I love KWAN'S answer!!! LOL

Answer 7

Cant contact you but saying thanks for answer "Confucious" many many thanks