The Oxford English Dictionary has recently announced the launch of the OED Appeals. The OED Appeals are an online initiative to collaboratively trace the history of English words. Everyone is invited to submit information with evidence of an earlier occurence of a word or phrase in direct response to specific appeals posted by the OED editors.
Do you know anything about the history of these words and phrases?
As chief editor of the OED, John Simpson, points out "an old takeaway menu, a family letter or album, or an obscure journal might hold the key to solving one of those mysteries". If you come across similar items that might shed some light on the roots of these words, then submit your comment on the OED Appeals page.