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Where Does the Expression Rigmarole Come from?

Chloe Bennett • • 5 min read
Where Does the Expression Rigmarole Come from?

rigmarole (n.)
"a long, rambling discourse; incoherent harangue," 1736, apparently from an altered, Kentish colloquial survival of ragman roll "long list, roster, or catalogue" (c. 1500). The origins of this are in Middle English rageman "document recording accusations or offenses," also "an accuser" (late 13c.).

Where did the expression rigmarole come from?

By the 16th century, ragman and ragman roll were being used figuratively to mean "a list or catalog." Both terms fell out of written use, but ragman roll persisted in speech, and in the 18th century it resurfaced in writing as rigmarole, with the meaning "a succession of confused, meaningless, or foolish statements." ...

What does rigmarole mean?

noun. an elaborate or complicated procedure: to go through the rigmarole of a formal dinner. confused, incoherent, foolish, or meaningless talk.

Chloe Bennett
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Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.