Where does put 2 and 2 together come from?

  • Thread starter Pengwuino
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In summary, the idiom "putting two and two together" means to draw a logical conclusion based on given information. It originated from a story about a woman who bit off the testicles of her rapist and turned them over to the police, leading to the arrest of the rapist. The phrase was coined by the Darwin Awards people, who celebrate people who remove themselves from the gene pool through foolish actions.
  • #1
Pengwuino
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Where does "put 2 and 2 together" come from?

Does anyone know where the idiom "Putting two and two together" came from?? I'm looking around and can't really seem to find any sources on the idea...

DISCUSS!
 
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  • #2


Ummm... you do now what you get when you put two and two together yeah?
 
  • #3


Pengwuino said:
Does anyone know where the idiom "Putting two and two together" came from?? I'm looking around and can't really seem to find any sources on the idea...

DISCUSS!
Get a basket and some apples, try it out, and report back.

[edit] If you put 2 and 2 together in a basket that isn't empty, you may run into some issues. If you get stuck, try emptying the basket, then starting over.
 
Last edited:
  • #4


TheStatutoryApe said:
Ummm... you do now what you get when you put two and two together yeah?

I got 22
 
  • #5


Pengwuino said:
I got 22

I see. This may be the issue here.
 
  • #6


The phrase was invented by the Darwin Awards people:

Darwin Awards said:
A Chicago woman took revenge into her own hands quite successfully, when she bit off the testicles of her rapist during the attack. The 21-year-old man should have known better than to accost a woman twice his age and ferocity. When he dropped his trousers and forced her down, she seized her opportunity and severed his gonads, rendered him permanently sterile to the satisfaction of all.

The woman walked to police headquarters a block away and turned the testicles over to police. Shortly thereafter a man with a matching injury appeared at the Michael Reese Medical Center. Police put two and two together and cordoned off the injured man's hospital room, while doctors attempted, unsuccessfully, to reattach the rapist's genitals.

Hey it's not death but it is another way out of the gene pool!
 

1. Where did the phrase "put 2 and 2 together" originate from?

The phrase "put 2 and 2 together" is believed to have originated from the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle. He used the phrase to refer to the process of logical reasoning and connecting different pieces of information to come to a conclusion.

2. Is there a scientific basis for the phrase "put 2 and 2 together"?

While the phrase itself may not have a scientific basis, the concept behind it is rooted in cognitive psychology and decision making. Our brains are constantly making connections and associations between different pieces of information, which allows us to solve problems and draw conclusions.

3. How does our brain "put 2 and 2 together"?

Our brains use a combination of logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and memory to put 2 and 2 together. When we encounter new information, our brains compare it to existing knowledge and experiences, and then make connections to come to a conclusion.

4. Can anyone learn to "put 2 and 2 together" or is it a natural ability?

While some people may have a natural talent for making connections and solving problems, anyone can learn to "put 2 and 2 together" with practice and training. This skill is often developed through activities such as puzzles, games, and critical thinking exercises.

5. Are there any techniques or strategies for improving our ability to "put 2 and 2 together"?

Yes, there are various techniques and strategies that can help improve our ability to make connections and solve problems. Some examples include breaking a problem into smaller parts, thinking creatively, and considering different perspectives. Practice and exposure to new challenges can also help improve this skill.

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