2006-10-23 11:08:07 · 6 answers · asked by Miss Terious 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Jokes & Riddles
The phrase is an abbreviation of the Italian proverb which runs, "Speak of the devil and he shall appear."
2006-10-23 11:11:07 · answer #1 · answered by uk_lad_2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You talkin' about my mate?
This phrase is used to acknowledge the coincidence of someone arriving at a scene just at the time that they are being talked about. Clearly, nothing sinister is implied by this and it is just a jokey way of referring to the person's appearance. In fact, many people using the phrase might not be aware that, prior to the 20th century, the term wasn't meant lightheartedly at all. The full form goes like this - "speak of the Devil and he will appear". The phrase originated in England, where it was, and still is, more often given as 'talk of the Devil'.
The phrase is old and appears in various Latin and Old English texts from the 16th century. The Italian writer Giovanni Torriano has the first recorded version in contemporary English, in 'Piazza Universale', 1666:
"The English say, Talk of the Devil, and he's presently at your elbow."
Also, in 'Cataplus, a mock Poem', 1672 - re-printed in Hazlitt's Proverbs
"Talk of the Devil, and see his horns."
These both imply that the term was widely known by the mid-17th century. It enshrined the superstitious belief that it was dangerous to mention the Devil by name. This prohibition was strong, like the prohibition on speaking the name of God. The numerous synonyms for the Devil - Old Nick, Prince of Darkness, the Horned One etc. are no doubt a consequence of this.
2006-10-23 18:22:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When people were more spiritual back in the day they'd say "speak of the devil and he shall appear"
Which is why nowadays whenever you're talking about someone if they show up, you say "Speak of the Devil" its kind of a joke on the person, like they're the devil.
2006-10-23 18:11:25 · answer #3 · answered by legallyblond2day 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was at the last supper with the dispiples. Judas came back from taking out the trash and Jesus said, "Speak of the Devil."
2006-10-24 02:35:25 · answer #4 · answered by mac_byaah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it just came about when someone was being talked about and they walked in the room !!!
2006-10-23 18:12:32 · answer #5 · answered by IloveMarmite 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
slough
2006-10-24 05:53:05 · answer #6 · answered by markhatter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋