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"making over-nice distinctions," by 1739, from hair + verbal noun from split (v.). To split hairs "make over-fine distinctions" is first recorded 1650s, as to cut the hair.

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Related Questions

What is the origin of the English idiom?

Each idiom has its own origins - you'll have to look up the etymology of every one separately.


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What is the opposite of etymology?

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What is the Latin etymology of the word "etymology"?

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