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by SonzTwin on March 5th, 2007
The origin of "loose cannon" comes from Victor Hugo's last novel, Quatrevingt-treize (or "Ninety-Three" in English). In it, a sailor was negligent in not securing a cannon on board, causing it to be tossed about in a storm. The moral is, even in a storm, it's not something outside of us that is capable of doing the worst damage, but what's INSIDE of us. The novel was published in 1874, pre-dating the source suggested in Phrases.org also offered here by 16 years.
by Crutnacker on June 16th, 2006
According to phrases.org, it's because cannons that weren't secured on ships rolled around and caused damage.
Source: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/237200.html
by jammnwright on March 14th, 2007
bad temper. a person that cant control their temper.
by CoachMJ on March 14th, 2007
A cannon that is not tied down is known as a loose cannon. Someone with whom there are areas in which you don't know what they will say or do is known as a loose cannon.
by wmax351 on March 13th, 2007
The term comes from when ship cannons were muzzle loaded, and they had to roll back. When the ropes which held them in place broke, it became a "Loose cannon", which could easily kill people or damage the ship.
"Loser" ,whats ur views,of this word , as in the serious use and jokingly use? Have u ever called someone this? and in what way? why? what's another word for ? can be a judgemental,harmful,hurtful,foolish word!
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Comments
excellent and interesting explanation.
by LynfromNM on March 5th, 2007