You scared the living daylights out of me.

Have you ever used this term?
What even are daylights?
Daylights is an 18th century slang term for eyes.
In this context; To scare (or beat) the living (an intensifier that means "very" or "real) daylights means to dish out a merciless beating or frighten someone out of their wits.
I hope you or I never have to use this term literally.

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AllycatAD

thanks for the educational post, much apreciated

TheSirfurryanimalWales · 61-69, M

I have said that

Gusman · 61-69, M

@TheSirfurryanimalWales Who was the culprit that elicited such a response from you?

TheSirfurryanimalWales · 61-69, M

@Gusman I have no idea.
I just know I’ve said it.

AllycatAD

I was mildy surprised how many saying came out of warfare

"the whole nine yards" for instance it came from how long the ammo belts were in WW2 warplanes

Richard65 · M

@AllycatAD you taught me that, then. I didn't know x

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

Thing about slang, is it often changes meaning from one culture to the next.

Hope you haven't beaten the tar out of anything! 🥴

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