What are the Origins of the Phrase “to Bandy Words”?
The English idiom “to bandy words” has its origins in a violent and swift-paced game known as “bandy” which emerged in the 16th century. Over time, people began to use the term “bandy” to describe any sort of rapid, brutal exchange, and by the 17th century, people were specifically describing bandied words, although the use of variants like “bandy civilities” is even older.
