in western countries such as the United States, students are graded by letters, A being the best grade. this term implies that, although the student (or whoever) tried very hard (applied the best effort) they probably didn't get an 'A' overall...
therefore, they got an "A for effort" which is way of being nice to someone who performed poorly for some reason other than effort, like being ignorant or whatever...
facebook entry
Andy Maio invent this phrase in the early 70s
From a Laurel & Hardy movie.
fROM DA TOIleT
From the Hood thats how we do. Aight its all good
stop
The Bible
latin
from joey in friends
1820-30
from girls ...to hissy...
in concord and lexington.
facebook entry
Andy Maio invent this phrase in the early 70s
The Devil Made Me Do It
the simpsons
It originated in America in the 1960's