General Question

hollywoodduck's avatar

Where did the saying "scott-free" come from?

Asked by hollywoodduck (638points) April 16th, 2008

Like if you get away with something, you are said to have gotten off scott-free.

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1 Answer

adrianscott's avatar

From my quick Google search (I know, I’m bored) apparently the term is actually scot-free.

From this link:

Sceot is the Old English for “a tax.” Scot and lot was a medieval muncipal tax levied on residents. Someone who managed to avoid paying this medieval tax got off “scot free.”

adrianscott (621points)“Great Answer” (5points) Flag as…

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