What is the origin of the phrase The word on the street?

Answer 1

The phrase "the word on the street" likely originates from informal communication channels in urban areas, where information and rumors are spread among the community. It suggests that the information being discussed is not official or verified, but rather anecdotal or based on hearsay. This phrase is often used to convey a sense of grassroots knowledge or insights from everyday people.

Answer 2

Oh, dude, like, the phrase "The word on the street" is, like, just a casual way of saying, "What people are saying or gossiping about." It's, like, not like there's an official record of when someone first said it or anything. People just started using it, and now it's, like, a thing.

Answer 3

Dates from 1920s America when insider-trading was legal. Refers to information about companies being dispersed on Wall Street.

Answer 4

The word street has its origins in the Latin strata(meaning "paved road"), thus is related to stratum and stratification.