Spick and Span

Etymology:

• This phrase came up involving two theories or explanation. According to one which comes from Norse language, the word “spick” meant neat and “spanning” meant brand new. In 16th century the two words were joined to form phrase “spick and span”. Second origin of the phrase comes from the sailing ship. The word “spick “was called a spike or nail and the word “span” was a chip made of wood. This phrase has original wording as “spick and span new” ship was that ship on which everything was new and tidy. Later in the 19th century, the phrase became much popular in United States due to the alliteration sound it makes.