Heard It Through the GrapevineThe surprising origin of the world's first social network.

History of Phrases

From the show

History of Phrases

Discover the literal meaning behind one of history's most famous idioms. The phrase 'heard it through the grapevine' has its roots in the American Civil War and the advent of the telegraph. The wires, strung between poles, resembled vineyard trellises, earning the system its nickname. Much like today's social media, this 'grapevine telegraph' was often a source of rumor and unofficial news, cementing the phrase's meaning for generations to come.

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