smack dab craw

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smack dab craw

Post by Archived Topic » Wed Feb 17, 1999 12:00 am

where does the phrase "smack dab" originate?

also wondering about the origin of "craw"
Submitted by emilie leake (nyc - U.S.A.)
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smack dab craw

Post by Jonathon Green » Thu Feb 18, 1999 8:00 am

'smack', used advervbially, with, or as with, a smack; suddenly and violently; slap plus 'dab', adv. With a dab, or sudden contact.

craw comes from a Teutonic root and is cognate with such words as Dutch 'kraag', the neck.
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