by Drublic on February 7th, 2007

Drublic

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What is the origin of the word "gumshoe" to describe a detective?

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  • by NutritionMom on February 7th, 2007

    NutritionMom

    Originally, gumshoe referred to a shoe with a rubber sole, specifically, galoshes or (more relevant to our purposes) sneakers. The senses of gumshoe leading to the 'private detective' sense all have to do with the idea that rubber-soled shoes give the wearer the ability to walk stealthily.

    http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19981110

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