Posted by Tiko on August 09, 2001
In Reply to: Two phrases ... Need origins ... anyone know? posted by ESC on August 09, 2001
: : I have two phrases I need the origin of does anyone know where
they came from?
: : the first is "Blue Monday"
: : the second is "don't have a clue"
: : Thanks in advance!
: : BranSaigh
: "Blue Monday" is song -- I've have a recording by Fats Domino. It's about being hungover after a wild weekend. But I don't know if that's the origin.
Etymology: alteration of clew
: something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties; specifically : a piece of evidence that leads one toward the solution of a problem.
I believe this stems from the days of the Sleuth searching for answers (usually for criminal conviction) by means of deduction with the bag of knowledge he had on hand.
Not having a clue or "clueless" in non-law enforcement terms insinuates stupidity or unawareness. I do not know when this term entered the "Blonde Joke" arena but I would imagine Hollywood movies had something to do with it.