Where did the phrase milling around originate?

Answer 1

The phrase "milling around" originated from the practice of milling, which is the process of grinding or crushing grains into flour. In this context, "milling around" refers to a group of people moving around in a disorganized or aimless manner, similar to the way grains move around in a milling machine. The term has since evolved to describe a crowd or group of people moving about without a clear purpose or direction.

Answer 2

Oh, dude, the phrase "milling around" originated from the literal act of milling grain into flour. People would gather around the mill waiting for their turn, just like a bunch of confused chickens milling around in a coop. So, yeah, next time you see a crowd aimlessly wandering, you can thank our ancestors for the inspiration.

Answer 3

The term 'milling around' or 'milling about' meaning to move (as in a crowd or substantial group of people) aimlessly within a confined or defined area, with no especial purpose discernible, comes from the sight of grain passing through a hopper to the grinding stone below.

The grain is poured into the hopper, where it is moved slowly about in some way to make it fall down into the millstones or grinding mechanism.

Watching the grains 'mill about' can be almost hypnotic.

Answer 4

Milling, as to keep moving round in a mass, 1874 (implied in milling), originally of cattle, from resemblance to the circular action of an animal driven mill wheel.