What Does It Mean? Kicking the bucket means to die; which is also why a list made up of things that must be done or achieved before death is called 'a bucket list.' Where Does It Come From? This term is thrown around carelessly today, but two of its many supposed origins are pretty sinister. One theory is that it was spawned during medieval times, when people who were hanged, or indeed intending to hang themselves, would stand on a bucket with a noose around their necks and then kick it away. The other is that during the 16th century, 'bucket' was another term for a beam or wooden frame where animals would be hung up by the legs before being slaughtered. Due to their struggling, they would end up 'kicking the bucket.' Creepy. Let's go for an amusing one next...
Stephanie is a writer and free spirit who likes to pretend she's a Londoner, though strictly speaking she's from Watford. She likes books, music, elephants, and hairspray.
