by and Large or by in large

[Bailey]

we will be canvassing the area, but by and large [by in large?] we will be expecting the answer to come to us.

so which is it? Or neither? They both sound wrong, but then after cogitating a while on a single phrase it would.

mark just-large Bailey

[Stargzer]

According to the Good Doctor's Favorite, the American Heritage Dictionary, this was originally a nautical term, me hearty!:

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

by and large

ADVERB: For the most part; generally: By and large, the play was a success.
ETYMOLOGY: Earlier, to (the wind) and off it, in one direction and another (said of the manner of handling a sailing vessel) : by[sup]1[/sup], toward + large, with the wind abaft the beam.

Online Etymology Dictionary:

... By and large (1669) was originally nautical, "sailing to the wind and off it," hence "in one direction then another."

[Perry]

by, toward + large, with the wind abaft the beam.

So this expression could also be used to express a hopeless endeavor, because it is like trying to sail pointed to the wind with a spinnaker.

Ahoy!

[Stargzer]

No, I think "abaft the beam" means the wind is coming from behind the boat, so a spinnaker should fill out. Sailing into the wind can be done, but it's a rather tacky proposition so I'm told.

Stargzer is a stinkpotter, not a blow-boater.

[Bailey]

ok good so it's by and large, not by an large or even in large?

Thanks.

mark at-large Bailey

[melissa]

As a pirate, I would say translate as 'one way or another' , but as a non-pirate, I would say 'whatever'. By and large either way.

[Perry]

No, I think "abaft the beam" means the wind is coming from behind the boat, so a spinnaker should fill out. Sailing into the wind can be done, but it's a rather tacky proposition so I'm told.

Stargzer is a stinkpotter, not a blow-boater.

Just so. But it was written above that the by part means toward, hence my remark of tacking to the wind with a spinnaker.

[sluggo]

As a pirate, I would say translate as 'one way or another' , but as a non-pirate, I would say 'whatever'. By and large either way.

As a pirate, I would say "by and laarrrrrrge!"

I've only ever heard it with "and". "By in large" would seem one of those spoken-to-written corruptions we all buy in large quantities...

[Stargzer]

Yeah, that makes sense:

By and large

By 'n' large

By in large

So, "by in large" can be shown to be the result of a mis-hearing of lazy speech.



Unless, of course, one is referring to acquisition at a wholesaler or a store such as Sam's Club or BJ's, in which case it would be:

Buy in large

[Bailey]

As a pirate, I would say translate as 'one way or another' , but as a non-pirate, I would say 'whatever'. By and large either way.

As a pirate, I would say "by and laarrrrrrge!"

I've only ever heard it with "and". "By in large" would seem one of those spoken-to-written corruptions we all buy in large quantities...

sluggo you are a hoot!

mark "chuckles" Bailey

[sluggo]

As a pirate, I would say translate as 'one way or another' , but as a non-pirate, I would say 'whatever'. By and large either way.

As a pirate, I would say "by and laarrrrrrge!"

I've only ever heard it with "and". "By in large" would seem one of those spoken-to-written corruptions we all buy in large quantities...

sluggo you are a hoot!

mark "chuckles" Bailey

(Owl'll take that as a compliment.)
-such as "could of" for could have.
I couldn't of thought of it before of curse...

[gailr]

Avast! runnin' a reminder by large and small pirates that International Talk Like Pirate Day be advancin' smartly.

[sluggo]

Avast! runnin' a reminder by large and small pirates that International Talk Like Pirate Day be advancin' smartly.

Arrr! Thar be new iconogrrrrraphy! The saucy wench has arrrrrtdone herrrrself. Extra ration of grog!
To me, way, hey! Shiver me appendix! Q-tip the deck!

jest practicin'...

[gailr]

Shiver me appendix! Q-tip the deck!

Arrrr! That be right clever, matey!

I screened Stardust with some scurvy dogs this weekend and enjoyed Robert DeNiro's...pirattitude. Love Neil Gaiman's work, but it's not for everyone, even without pirates.

-gailrrrrr
PS: Thanks, but the 'plume is mightier than the swashbuckle' avatarrrrr is recycled from TLAPDs past. I thank'ee fer the grog.

[Perry]