"rule of thumb" vs "rule"

[JaGWiRE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabomber To my understanding the original rule of thumb was that you cannot beat your wife with anything larger around than your thumb. I believe it originated in Ireland (at least as far as those crazy people in Brit Lit say) and would appreciate if someone did a bit of research on it as I still have to finish this essay i'm writing right now due tomorrow. With so many theories, someone doing the research would be nice. I'm sorry I am too busy right now. Heck, we've already unearthed enough different theories to write a good research essay

LOl, this is so my next essay topic whenever the time comes around. My teacher will think I'm crazy.

 

[greenhorn]

http://www.gcse.com/energy/em4.htm

 

[iSleipnir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JahJahBinks Rule of Thumb was originated from the fact that you cannnot hit your wife with any object bigger than a thumb.

Someones been watching the Boondock Saints

 

[kugino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabomber To my understanding the original rule of thumb was that you cannot beat your wife with anything larger around than your thumb. I believe it originated in Ireland (at least as far as those crazy people in Brit Lit say) and would appreciate if someone did a bit of research on it as I still have to finish this essay i'm writing right now due tomorrow. With so many theories, someone doing the research would be nice. I'm sorry I am too busy right now. Heck, we've already unearthed enough different theories to write a good research essay

this is my understanding as well (the beating your wife part)...so, my friend hates it when people say, "rule of thumb" because of its origin.

 

[JaGWiRE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kugino this is my understanding as well (the beating your wife part)...so, my friend hates it when people say, "rule of thumb" because of its origin.

Shocking that such a term with such origins would have spread to be so popular, then again, not that many people who say it probably know themselves it's origins.

 

[sumguy_]

"Rule of Thumb" refers to heuristics or tacit knowledge whereas a "Rule" is more of an explicit thing - something that you have learned, uh, explicitly (i.e. not through observation/experience).

Edit: As I see it, in any case...