History of North America

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Where does the saying go pound salt come from?

The phrase “go pound salt” dates to the 18th century as an expression of anger or dismissal, and is often encountered as a riposte to insults. It is thought the expression originated from one of two sources. The first of these refers to the salt of Old-World Europe—prior to refrigeration, salt was used to cure and preserve food. It is said that in some communities, a debtor who could not pay his debt, would be given salt instead. As salt had relatively little value, the worthless payment, or “pound[ing of] salt,” was seen as a great insult.

The second purported explanation originates at sea. Sailors of 18th century vessels carried salt to ensure the preservation of their food for the long voyages they endured. When supplies ran low, those tasked with food preparation were faced with the difficult choice of either preserving their own food or preparing palatable meals for the captain and officers of the vessel. At times, there were more important priorities for salt preservation, and these individuals would instead prepare fresh meals at the cost of their own preserved rations. When confronted about the disappearance of shipboard provisions, they might respond with the sarcastic remark, "Go pound salt!" implying they had no provisions left to give.

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