The story
First attested in the 1840s.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
nigger in the woodpile
Today it means: A hidden motive, influence or factor; a concealed (potential) snag; something suspicious. Full definition →
Today it means: A hidden motive, influence or factor; a concealed (potential) snag; something suspicious. Full definition →
First attested in the 1840s.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.