The “Rule of Thumb for Wife-Beating” Hoax
The Straight Dope
The Phrase Finder
Chowder, Gig, Pipsqueak, Mayhem, Nonplussed and The Real Rule of Thumb
No Uncertain Terms
Origin(s) of “Rule of Thumb”
European Men Profeminist Network
Apparently back in the 1700’s some judge said there was such a law, and the story has been freely passed on from then without being checked. In fact the ordinary innocuous usage is considerably older.
I am pleased that the phrase can be used again. “Heuristic” is just too geeky in most circumstances, even for me.
(Following up on a Facebook note by my old friend Sister Edith Bogue)