Paul Anthony Jones

Joined: Jun 20, 2014

Paul Anthony Jones is a writer and musician from Newcastle upon Tyne. He is the author of word origins guide Haggard Hawks and Paltry Poltroons, and runs its tie-in Twitter account @HaggardHawks.

Where Did the Saying ‘Stick Out Like a Sore Thumb’ Come From?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #25

What Does the Ship Designation ‘SS’ Mean?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #24

Why Do We Call the Country “the Boonies”?

We have the military to thank.

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #8

This riddle from the book ‘Wit Newly Revived’ dates back to the 18th century—can you figure it out?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #7

This riddle dates back to the 19th century—can you figure it out?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #1

This riddle, taken from the book ‘Food for the Mind‘ by “John-the-Giant-Killer, Esq.”, dates back to the 1770s. Can you figure it out?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #2

The riddle below dates back to the 1790s—can you figure it out?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #3

This riddle is a century old—can you figure out the answer?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #4

The riddle below dates back to the 19th century—can you figure it out?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #5

This 19th-century riddle was created by the British Museum’s librarian—can you figure it out?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #6

This riddle dates back to the 17th century—can you figure it out?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #11

This riddle dates back to the early 20th century—can you figure out the answer?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #10

This riddle dates back to 1598—can you figure out the answer?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #9

This riddle is nearly a century old—can you figure out the answer?