politics
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If Hillary Clinton is elected president, what will Bill be called?
Our guess
First gentleman.
First gentleman.
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The answer
First gentleman (or first husband), though he would still be addressed as Mr. President.
First gentleman (or first husband), though he would still be addressed as Mr. President.
Verdict right
Most-Googled question in D.C.: where is Obama today?
Our guess
On the campaign trail in a swing state such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Colorado or North Carolina.
On the campaign trail in a swing state such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Colorado or North Carolina.
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No answer was established.
Verdict unresolved
Where does the phrase "keep the ball rolling" come from?
Episode 19: That's Just Juggling (00:32)
Our guess
Some old game such as stick and hoop, a snowball, a military ball, or a dance or party that has to keep going.
Some old game such as stick and hoop, a snowball, a military ball, or a dance or party that has to keep going.
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The answer
It's American, from the 1840 presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison ("Tippecanoe and Tyler too"), when supporters rolled a giant campaign ball across the country. It replaced the earlier British phrase "keep the ball up", which suggested juggling.
It's American, from the 1840 presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison ("Tippecanoe and Tyler too"), when supporters rolled a giant campaign ball across the country. It replaced the earlier British phrase "keep the ball up", which suggested juggling.
Verdict partly
Where does the word "okay" come from?
Episode 58: Small Potatoes (00:31)
Our guess
From "Old Kinderhook", a political nickname from the 1840s, shortened to O.K.
From "Old Kinderhook", a political nickname from the 1840s, shortened to O.K.
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The answer
It became nationally popular in the 1840 election as a slogan for "Old Kinderhook", Martin Van Buren's nickname (he was from Kinderhook, New York). It began as a joking abbreviation of "all correct" in an 1839 Boston newspaper, during a fad for abbreviations. Other etymologies are debated.
It became nationally popular in the 1840 election as a slogan for "Old Kinderhook", Martin Van Buren's nickname (he was from Kinderhook, New York). It began as a joking abbreviation of "all correct" in an 1839 Boston newspaper, during a fad for abbreviations. Other etymologies are debated.
Verdict right
Where does the phrase "throw someone under the bus" come from?
Our guess
A mob-era (1930s-50s) reference to pushing someone in front of a bus, or luggage compartments or double-decker buses.
A mob-era (1930s-50s) reference to pushing someone in front of a bus, or luggage compartments or double-decker buses.
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The answer
It is recent. The earliest known written use is from 1980-82 in British politics (a Times of London article), where "under a bus" was already a metaphor for a conveniently timed accident. It has also been attributed to minor-league baseball, Cyndi Lauper (1984) and used-car salesmen, but the origin is uncertain.
It is recent. The earliest known written use is from 1980-82 in British politics (a Times of London article), where "under a bus" was already a metaphor for a conveniently timed accident. It has also been attributed to minor-league baseball, Cyndi Lauper (1984) and used-car salesmen, but the origin is uncertain.
Verdict wrong
Where does the word "boycott" come from?
Episode 161: Smash Stuff (00:38)
Our guess
A consumer tactic from the 20th century (civil rights era, post-WWII consumer economy), or from Gandhi.
A consumer tactic from the 20th century (civil rights era, post-WWII consumer economy), or from Gandhi.
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The answer
It is named for Captain Charles Boycott, the land agent of an absentee landlord in Ireland, who was ostracized by the Irish Land League in 1880 (workers, businesses and the postman refused to deal with him). The Times used it in print that year. The practice of boycotts goes back to the 1790s free produce movement against slave-produced sugar.
It is named for Captain Charles Boycott, the land agent of an absentee landlord in Ireland, who was ostracized by the Irish Land League in 1880 (workers, businesses and the postman refused to deal with him). The Times used it in print that year. The practice of boycotts goes back to the 1790s free produce movement against slave-produced sugar.
Verdict wrong