Submitted by billychasen t3_z8vuwt in Showerthoughts
Comments
viriosion t1_iydspfo wrote
For some (anecdotal) historical context
During the battle of Agincort a number of British archers were captured by the French. They were eventually returned, with the first two digits of their right hands removed, preventing them from firing a bow again. Displaying those digits became an insult originally aimed at the French that broadly made its way to general use
xanthraxoid t1_iyeqcki wrote
The story is total balls, sadly, but it's still amusing :-)
For a bit of historical context - nobility captured in battle (basically anyone in a suit of armour and on a horse) would have been kept for ransom and looked after very well (no removal of fingers!) and anyone else would have been slaughtered on sight. The archers would all have been yeomanry and in the latter category (no removal of fingers, or at least not then sent back without them...)
I_am_Torok t1_iydxa1d wrote
Never order ✌️ beers.
xanthraxoid t1_iyeqibn wrote
Unless you're in ancient Italy and want five...
sloppyredditor t1_iydogm8 wrote
I like it, but it's important to note only if your palm is facing away from you.
Clickar t1_iye0hkw wrote
Hence why yin and yang correspond. One cannot exist without the other. 🙂
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MapUnitKey t1_iyemvfd wrote
There’s a thin line between love and hate. The difference between medicine and poison is the dosage. Etc, etc.
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HollyCupcakez t1_iydo2m4 wrote
My British roommate told me if I do the peace sign in England I'll get stabbed.