I’m tired of politics and in the mood for a little phrase-history today. One that the older generation still uses is to “read the riot act,” often to their children, and always in a gruff, threatening voice. It means, of course, to warn sternly about misconduct. So, where does this odd phrase come from?
Actually, it goes back to 18th century England. If a group of at least twelve people were misbehaving, a magistrate could read them a proclamation stating that they had an hour to disperse and anyone failing to do so would be arrested. Punishment was harsh for those die-hards who stuck around.
[For my new readers, as an ex-teacher, I get a periodic urge to instruct.]