Learn English – the origin of the phrase ‘By the by…’

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What is the origin of the phrase 'By the by…'?

Best Answer

I found the first entries during history, not the exact origin of the expression, unfortunately. They are around the 17th Century.

by the by (earlier by a by, on or upon the by): by a side way, on a side issue; as a matter of secondary or subsidiary importance, incidentally, casually, in passing. Obs. or arch. Also in predicative or complemental use (quasi-adj.):
Off the main track, away from the point at issue, of secondary importance, incidental.

Here are some examples:

  • 1615 W. Hull Mirr. Not intentionally, but accidentally (as we say) vpon the bye.
  • 1627 Hakewill Apol. It led them some other way, thwarting and upon the by, not directly.
  • 1642 Fuller Holy & Prof. St. They had something‥in the favour of Friers, though brought in only by the by.
  • 1678 Butler Hud. All he does upon the By, She is not bound to Justifie.    
  • 1740 J. Clarke Educ. Youth (ed. 3) Let it be done sparingly, and by the bye.

Source: OED

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