Subscribe To This Site
A Frog in the throat
A Frog in the throat
A Frog in the throat : Phrases
Meaning:
Temporary hoarseness caused by phlegm in the back of the throat.
Example:
Origin:
This is probably an American phrase. There are many examples of its use in the USA from the late 19th century, but none from other English-speaking countries until the middle years of the 20th century. The earliest reference I can find is from an advertisement for a proprietary medicine that adopted the term as its name, in The Stevens Point Journal, November 1894:
"The Taylor Bros. say that 'Frog in the Throat' will cure hoarseness. 10 cents and box."
In December of the following year, The Middletown Daily Argus ran a similar advert for a rival product:
"Throat Lozenges - Our own formula for 'frog in the throat' - tickling might cough - hoarseness, etc. 10C a box."
Whatever the source of the phrase, ten cents bought you a cure.