Word Origins – Charley’s Horse
July30
If you have ever had a Charley’s Horse, you might have wondered where the term came from. Charles I of England, in 1640, decided to expand the London police force. The new recruits were nicknamed Charleys. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough money to provide the new recruits with horses, so instead they had to patrol on foot. They would joke that their sore fee and legs came from riding Charley’s horse – walking all day.
