Raen  +  764523 Thu, 04 Jun 09 04:15 AM example: "You are not gonna give me the third degree, are you?"   What's that supposed to mean? Are there other levels of degree for effect, 2nd degree or 4th degree and so forth?   Thanks in advance Raen Raen Joined on Thu, May 1 2008 Full Member 354

	RayH  +  764525 Thu, 04 Jun 09 04:21 AM I have to admit that, even though I know what "third degree" means, I never really thought about where it comes from. I did find this site that has a reasonable sounding explanation: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/372300.html Here is the current meaning from the site: "an intensive, possibly brutal, interrogation" RayH Joined on Sat, Mar 22 2008 Contributing Member 1,555 Native speaker of U. S. English. Not a grammar expert.

	Avangi  +  764527 Thu, 04 Jun 09 04:27 AM Boy, this is an old expression.  I've often wondered what the origin is.  In this context, we would not use "second" or "fourth." It's basically a grilling, or an interrogation. I think it's basically intended to be a "strong" interrogation, but it's often used as in your example, with a bit of sarcasm. I've speculated in the past that it refers to the degrees in secret orders, like The Masons.  Members advance in the order by "going through the degrees," or "going through the chairs."  I think a senior member "gives them the degree" in the sense of testing whether they are worthy, according to some standard ritual, or something like that. I'm sure Mrs. Google knows the answer. Avangi Joined on Mon, Nov 19 2007 Veteran Member 8,194 ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier Context, Expressions

	Raen  +  764533 Thu, 04 Jun 09 04:36 AM Thanks very much people, I appreciate the very informative link and answers. :) Raen Raen