What is the origin of the idiom don't cotton to that?

Answer 1

This phrase dates from somewhere in the 16th Century. Originally, it was a textile term - to "cotton" or "cotton well" referred to the success of the fibers melding together to form cotton cloth. Around the 16th Century, the phrase began to be used to mean "to be successful," or "to prosper" in reference to people and things. About the 19th Century, the phrase "to cotton to" began to see use, and meant "to be drawn to" or "to get along with." If you do not "cotton to" something, then you don't care for it. This phrase is particularly common in the South, where the cotton industry formed the basis for the economy for many years.

Answer 2

The idiom "don't cotton to that" originated in the United States in the 19th century. The term "cotton" in this context refers to the fabric, which was commonly associated with comfort and familiarity. Therefore, when someone says they "don't cotton to that," they are expressing a dislike or aversion to something.

Answer 3

Well, honey, back in the day, "cotton" was used as a slang term for "like" or "favor." So when someone says "I don't cotton to that," they're basically saying they don't like it or they're not into it. It's as simple as that, darling.

Answer 4

Oh, dude, so like, back in the day, people used to use cotton to stuff mattresses and pillows, right? And if you didn't like something, you wouldn't want it close to you, so it's like saying you don't want to be near that thing. It's like saying, "I don't vibe with that," but in old-timey language.