Curry Favor
Whether you're a student of etymology or you don't even know what that word means, tell us how you think this animal expression originated. We'll post the most accurate as well as the most inventive. Email your answer to when_pigs@discovery.com.
I have heard dogs referred to as curs, and we know they like attention, so I assume it came from dogs begging for attention.
—drperez
There was a man who was in love with a horse named Favor. When asked what the greatest thing in the world would be to him, he replied, "To curry Favor."
—sadiegal1211
Curry was an exotic spice so who ever could bring it back to Europe was granted something he wanted.
—tedplus1
It might have something to do with horses. Maybe if you brush the horse nicely with the curry comb then he will do what you want.
—nargik
Curry was once used as currency; ergo, to curry favor was to purchase services or goods.
—onah
You curry (groom) a horse so its coat will look smooth and sleek. Originally it meant to groom (curry) a specific horse (a chestnut) which in ancient times was a symbol of deceitfulness. It means to "fawn" or flatter someone in order to get something you want.
—xinrat
