Binomials: This and That

No, we aren’t going to have a math lesson! In math, a binomial is a mathematical expression with two numbers. But pairs of words that go together are also called binomials.

We have all noticed that certain pairs of words connected by and are always said in the same order. We don’t say white and black. We say black and white. Why??? Does it just flow better? Is is easier to say? 

Some pairs of words are in an order that makes more sense:

Bread and butter – Bread comes first because it is the primary part of the pair.

Cause and effect – Makes perfect sense.

Rise and shine – Probably because you have to rise before you shine?

Law and order – First comes the law and then the order. 

Give and take – It is more polite that way.

Back and forth – A more natural flow of movement.

Pros and cons – Better to start with the positive.

Trial and error – First you must try before you err.

Wait and see – First you wait and then you see. Doesn’t make sense the other way.

In and out – Seems more natural to move that way.

Wear and tear – First it goes through the wear and then it tears?

Some word pairs could go either way, it seems, but we always say them the same way. Tradition? Ease of saying?

Rock and roll.…could it be roll and rock?

Now and then…I have heard then and now. Wouldn’t you start with the past??? Guess not.

Safe and sound…Easier to say, I think.

Odds and ends…Usually, we say odds and evens too. But not always.

Spick and span – Where does that even come from???

High and dry….Beats me.

Short and sweet…Does seem to make sense that way.

Lots of word pairs are food:

Salt and pepper…could be pepper and salt. (Notice that salt and pepper is white and black 😉  )

Bacon and eggs…Surprised it isn’t the other way around, since bacon is the side dish. I guess some people do say eggs and bacon, but less commonly. Same with ham and eggs.

Fish and chips...Makes sense since the fish is more important (maybe).

Scotch and soda…No explanation needed!

Surf and turf…Alphabetical? Seems it could go either way.

Spaghetti and meatballs…Makes sense, but some do say it the other way around.

Burger and fries…Fries are the side.

Trinomial time!

Bacon, lettuce, and tomato or BLT – Just ain’t no other way to say it. Lettuce, tomato and bacon??? Perhaps it is just alphabetical!

Can you think of some others. I got mine from a list, but here are some more I just thought of:

Tried and true

Hunt and peck (on an old typewriter)

True or false

Peaches and cream

Live or die

Right and wrong

Performers too:

Guns and Roses

Peaches and Herb

Salt and Pepa

Well, I guess we can’t count the ones with two names. I do know that traditionally in song writing pairs, the lyricist comes before the composer.

Mutt and Jeff, The Fox and the Hound, The Captain and Tennille, stop me now!