September: A Season for Learning (and Play)
September always feels like a fresh start. New notebooks, sharpened pencils, and that back-to-school buzz in the air. But learning doesn’t have to stop at the classroom door – in fact, some of the most surprising lessons come from the words and phrases we use every day.
That’s why September is the perfect month to celebrate Phrasium: The Origin of Phrases Game and One Liners. These clever, wordy games combine trivia, history, and wit – making them the ultimate “brain warm-up” for family nights, pub quizzes, or evenings in with friends.
Phrases You Thought You Knew (But Didn’t)
One of the best things about language is how strange and unexpected it can be. Take these everyday expressions — do you know where they really come from?
- “Saved by the bell”
You might think this comes from boxing, but its roots lie in the Victorian fear of being buried alive. Safety coffins were fitted with bells so that anyone accidentally interred could ring for rescue. A bit morbid, but definitely memorable. - “Rule of thumb”
Nowadays it just means a rough estimate, but its exact origin is disputed. One theory points to carpenters using their thumbs as quick measuring tools, while another traces it back to brewing — where thumbs were dipped in beer to test the temperature before thermometers were common. - “Burning the midnight oil”
Before electricity, oil lamps were the late-night equivalent of a desk lamp. If you were “burning the midnight oil,” it meant you were hard at work long after dark – just like students cramming for exams.
Phrasium is packed with stories like these – clever, surprising, and a little bit quirky.
School One Liners We’ll Never Forget
While Phrasium dives into history, One Liners celebrates wit and quick recall — and there’s no shortage of clever school-related quotes that capture the ups and downs of learning. Here are a few favourites:
- “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” – Albert Einstein
- “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” – Oscar Wilde
- “In school you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” – Tom Bodett
And of course, pop culture has plenty to add:
- “Don’t let the muggles get you down.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter
- “What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” – Alfred Mercier
Playing One Liners feels just like this – a sharp burst of recognition, a laugh, and the satisfaction of knowing the right answer before anyone else at the table.
Why Wordplay Is Good for the Brain
It’s not just fun — word games bring some genuine benefits:
- Boost memory & recall – perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Encourage quick thinking – great training for quizzes, presentations, or just witty comebacks.
- Spark curiosity – discovering the “why” behind a phrase makes us more curious about language, culture, and history.
- Create connection – sharing laughs over clever lines or surprising origins builds bonds that no screen can replace.
So if you’re looking for a way to balance the seriousness of “back to school” with something fun, Phrasium and One Liners are the answer.
Make This Autumn a Season of Clever Fun
As the nights draw in and routines settle down, why not add a little spark to your evenings? Whether it’s:
- A family game night where everyone learns something new.
- A dinner-party challenge to see who really knows their trivia.
- Or a cosy evening with friends swapping banter and testing your quick wit…
Gamesium’s word games are the perfect pick.
September is all about learning, but who says it can’t be fun too? With Gamesium, you don’t just play a game – you discover stories, sharpen your mind, and share laughter. So sharpen your pencils, gather your friends, and deal the cards. Class is officially in session.