Comments on: Hell bent for leather http://www.word-detective.com/2009/10/21/hell-bent-for-leather/ Semper Ubi Sub Ubi Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:12:46 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: anders bredahl http://www.word-detective.com/2009/10/21/hell-bent-for-leather/comment-page-1/#comment-4003 anders bredahl Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:02:30 +0000 http://www.word-detective.com/?p=2058#comment-4003 I believe this phrase sounds as though it originated from a race. Perhaps describing one so determined to win leather that they would ride in any manner neccesary to win. Then eventually becoming accepted to be able to describe anyone determined enough to be reckless. I believe this phrase sounds as though it originated from a race. Perhaps describing one so determined to win leather that they would ride in any manner neccesary to win.

Then eventually becoming accepted to be able to describe anyone determined enough to be reckless.

]]> By: Murat M. http://www.word-detective.com/2009/10/21/hell-bent-for-leather/comment-page-1/#comment-3984 Murat M. Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:21:10 +0000 http://www.word-detective.com/?p=2058#comment-3984 The phrase makes perfect sense in the lyrics of the theme song for the classical TV show Rawhide. However, one wonders if the Judas Preist song with the same name (Hell Bent For Leather) is only making reference to other songs and narratives while placing motorcycles where horses should be, or if the phrase is/was already common with riders of "Harley Davidson"s as well. The phrase makes perfect sense in the lyrics of the theme song for the classical TV show Rawhide. However, one wonders if the Judas Preist song with the same name (Hell Bent For Leather) is only making reference to other songs and narratives while placing motorcycles where horses should be, or if the phrase is/was already common with riders of “Harley Davidson”s as well.

]]> By: Jim G http://www.word-detective.com/2009/10/21/hell-bent-for-leather/comment-page-1/#comment-3700 Jim G Sat, 02 Jan 2010 01:00:07 +0000 http://www.word-detective.com/?p=2058#comment-3700 Is it possible that the 'leather' refers to the end of the horse itself (alternatively, 'hell bent for glue"? Is it possible that the ‘leather’ refers to the end of the horse itself (alternatively, ‘hell bent for glue”?

]]> By: Mike Smith http://www.word-detective.com/2009/10/21/hell-bent-for-leather/comment-page-1/#comment-3180 Mike Smith Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:50:14 +0000 http://www.word-detective.com/?p=2058#comment-3180 I wonder if perhaps the "bent" in hell bent for leather refers to the verb "bend" that is still used to in nautical circles to mean putting on more sails and thus increasing the speed of the vessel. To be perfectly precise, one "bends on" a sail, as in, "The wind slackened, so we bent on the Number 1 genoa to make better speed in the light air." I'm a sailor and wannabe etymologist - especially when phrases involve nautical references. Love the site. I wonder if perhaps the “bent” in hell bent for leather refers to the verb “bend” that is still used to in nautical circles to mean putting on more sails and thus increasing the speed of the vessel. To be perfectly precise, one “bends on” a sail, as in, “The wind slackened, so we bent on the Number 1 genoa to make better speed in the light air.”

I’m a sailor and wannabe etymologist – especially when phrases involve nautical references.

Love the site.

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