Tit-for-Tat

 

Modern Meaning/Origin - An equivalent given in retaliation. Based on the 600 year-old expression tip-for-tap where, at the time, both words meant a light hit or punch. With a few more pressing issues during this period in history (i.e., famine, plague, etc.), spelling (and bathing) took a backseat resulting in several versions of the initial phrase.

 

The Real Story - The idiot that called this equivalent must really have a thing for tat. (Illustration)