2006-12-05 10:37:03 · 11 answers · asked by masny 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
WOW! What an amazing question! Something I'd never thought of asking!!! I also like the answers about the blue peter flag.
This kind of question is so much more interesting than the rubbish that is posted on here!!
2006-12-05 23:00:30 · answer #1 · answered by zanoshi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Oxford English Dictionary says it's of "unknown origin." Most things I've read suggest it came into usage as early 19th century mining slang in the US. Peter is saltpetre, used as a fuse for blasting, "petering out" refers to the fire in the saltpetre dwindling and dying before the blast can happen.
I've also heard suggestions it's based on St. Peter's denial of Christ.
I do like the Blue Peter flag suggestions, though, I hadn't thought of that.
2006-12-05 19:19:15 · answer #2 · answered by Robert M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure but I think it is something to do with a ship leaving port, before they leave they hoist the blue peter flag to say they are leaving. So to peter out is to leave port or go away.
2006-12-05 18:47:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Flying the blue peter signified that a ship was ending its voyage at a particular port.
2006-12-05 20:00:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you whip your peter out, things are soon over. Thus the term 'peter out.'
2006-12-05 18:39:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
peter out never heard of it
2006-12-05 18:40:16 · answer #6 · answered by cazmo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Lynne is right. The "Peter" is a naval flag of recognition and I think it was hoisted as they entered or left a harbour .
2006-12-05 18:53:21 · answer #7 · answered by Boris 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A peter gets slack when tired,there you go!!
2006-12-05 18:41:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What an excellent question! And the answers about the ship leaving the port sound like an obvious answer to me, I wish I had thought of it!
2006-12-05 19:00:37 · answer #9 · answered by mistickle17 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think the saying first came to light when pete..r burns ( big brother ) first came out of the closet!!
i.e. peters...out!!
2006-12-05 19:19:04 · answer #10 · answered by john557303 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋