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Show "Kicking the Bucket" There are two theories as to the origin of this expression. One Is that "bucket" is a common word for "beam" In Norfolkshlre, England, and that when pigs are killed they are i hung by their hind legs with their i heads downward. When they are j killed they kick the beam or "bucket." j At first the expression was mere slaughter-house slang, but later came j Into general use. The other theory is 1 as follows: A man attempted to com- j mlt suicide by hanging himself to a beam. Standing on a bucket he ad- ! Justed the rope and and then kicked the backet from under him. However, he was rescued by friends before he was strangled. Upon regaining con- . sciousness he exclaimed: "I thought j I kicked the bucket." The expression was too good to let die and has survived sur-vived In slang. |