“I've Heard The Expression 'like White On Rice,' But I'm Not Really Sure If ...

Home » What Does White On Rice Mean » “I've Heard The Expression 'like White On Rice,' But I'm Not Really Sure If ...

Maybe your like

Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Search 34.2 F Garrettsville Saturday, February 14, 2026 Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Weekly Villager Weekly Villager Advertisement Weekly Villager Weekly Villager Home Ask The Librarian “I’ve heard the expression ‘like white on rice,’ but I’m not really...
  • Columns & Editorials
  • Ask The Librarian
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsApp

English has some very unusual phrases that the patrons and staff of the Newton Falls Public Library have found to be interesting. Our search began in the library’s reference collection.  On the cover of Cassell’s Dictionary of Slang by Jonathon Green, which is, according to Evening Star Standard  reviewer Jonathan Meades says “. . . a terrific piece of work – learned, entertaining, funny , stimulating.” It has 1312 pages of definitions, from  “a n. 1[20C](W.I./Guyn.) a general term for dislike. 2 [1940+] (US) used as euphemism for ARSE” to zweideener n. [late 19C] (Aus./N.Z.) a two-shilling (10p) piece.” Our library staff was intrigued. Some of the words have a great variety of meanings. For example, dog has 34 entries, and 56 definitions.  It was interesting to browse through the book and see that it includes slang from as far back as the 16th century up to modern day.  “Like white on rice,” the expression, for which we were searching, came into common usage in 1980 and continues to be used today.  The origins of  the phrase is attributed to US Black.  It is defined as “very closely [rice is white itself]”.

For answers to your questions, visit the Newton Falls Public Library, 204 S. Canal Street, Newton Falls or phone 330-872-1282. For information about all the free library programs or hours, visit our website at www.newtonfalls.org or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/NewtonFallsLibrary.

AdvertisementsAnton Albert Photography

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Ask The Librarian

“Sometimes when I’m online, a website will ask me to type in a bunch of weird letters and numbers, or pick out all the...

Ask The Librarian

“How do you treat a chigger bite? What causes it?”

Ask The Librarian

“How can I get my dog therapy-certified?”

Advertisements Advertisement

Recent Articles

20th Century Club News

Iva Walker - February 13, 2026

Dive Rescue Training to be held at Trail Lake Park

Submitted - February 13, 2026

Hiram men’s lacrosse seeks stability as newcomers in PAC

Daniel Sherriff - February 13, 2026

Berkshire girls’ basketball storms past Garfield G-Men in second half

Daniel Sherriff - February 13, 2026

Definitely Uphill

Iva Walker - February 13, 2026 Weekly VillagerThe Weekly Villager is a family owned and operated publication that focuses on local news, area residents, hometown issues and events. Serving the communities for over 60 years, The Villager is produced every week by local residents who have a desire to show you what is great about the area that we live in! Privacy PolicyContact us: [email protected] Facebook Instagram Twitter Website

EVEN MORE NEWS

20th Century Club News

February 13, 2026

Dive Rescue Training to be held at Trail Lake Park

February 13, 2026

Hiram men’s lacrosse seeks stability as newcomers in PAC

February 13, 2026

POPULAR CATEGORY

  • News2333
  • Garrettsville1618
  • Portage County1519
  • Other Areas1020
  • Schools826
  • We're All Invited662
  • Obituaries577
© Weekly Villager, Inc. / All Rights Reserved.

Tag » What Does White On Rice Mean