Learn English – Origin of the expression “skin of a rhinoceros”

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The Apple CEO, Tim Cook, has recently published an open letter where he says:

… It’s also given me the skin of a rhinoceros.

I am wondering where this expression "skin of a rhinoceros" is originated from. Allegedly, Eleanor Roosevelt said:

Every woman in public life needs to develop skin as tough as rhinoceros hide.

Is this the origin?

Best Answer

The OED has this quote from the Caledonian Mercury in 1836:

1836 Caledonian Mercury 12 Dec., Even this positive testimony could not pierce the rhinoceros hide of bigotry.