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Raen Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

"third degree"?

example: "You are not gonna give me the third degree, are you?"

What's that supposed to mean? Are there other levels of degree for effect, 2nd degree or 4th degree and so forth?

Thanks in advance

Raen
  

Top answer

I have to admit that, even though I know what "third degree" means, I never really thought about where it comes from. html Here is the current meaning from the site: "an intensive, possibly brutal, interrogation"

— RayH

  • I have to admit that, even though I know what "third degree" means, I never really thought about where it comes from.
  • html Here is the current meaning from the site: "an intensive, possibly brutal, interrogation"
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3 Answers
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I have to admit that, even though I know what "third degree" means, I never really thought about where it comes from. I did find this site that has a reasonable sounding explanation:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/372300.html
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Boy, this is an old expression. I've often wondered what the origin is. In this context, we would not use "second" or "fourth."

It's basically a grilling, or an interrogation.

I think it's basically intended to be a "strong" interrogation, but it's often used as in your example, with a bit of sarcasm.

I've speculated in the past that it refers to the degrees in secret
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Thanks very much people, I appreciate the very informative link and answers. Emotion: smile

Raen
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