Spick and Span (Origin)

What Is the Origin of the Saying "Spick and Span"?

The term spick and span means brand new. This term has a nautical origin. Spick meant nails (or spike) and span meant wooden shavings. On a new sailing ship, the nails would still be shiny and the wooden shavings from manufacture would still be present. Therefore, a new ship would be all spick and span.

Examples of Use:

• When I come back in an hour, I want to see this kitchen looking spick and span.
• His apartment is spick and span. He must have a new girlfriend.
• The railings along the promenade all look spick and span after a fresh coat of paint.

Previous and Next Sayings

More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms