The theory that the term “pothole” originated from the practice of digging clay for pottery-making in the Middle Ages is one of several possible explanations for the origin of this term. While the exact origin of the term is uncertain, it is clear that potholes have been a problem on roads and other paved surfaces for centuries.
According to this theory, potters would dig holes in the ground to obtain clay for their pottery. These holes would often become filled with water and mud after rainstorms, creating a hazard for travelers passing through the area. As wagons and other vehicles passed over these mud-filled holes, they ran the risk of broken wheels, axles, or just becoming plain stuck. These potter’s holes became known as simply a “pot hole.”
Debated by historians and linguists, most scholars give it a grudgingly “certainly plausible” as best. Pottery-making was a common practice in the Middle Ages, and many potters would have dug holes in the ground to obtain clay. The South has many a “dirt” road leading to the obligatory clay hole where I’ve spent hours stuck with not much to do but swat a mosquito and think on the subject. It took all of 5 seconds. Simple explanations are often the best and I can’t see it being much simpler than that. A far cry from the hole I was in made by the four wheel enthusiasts after the regular summer thunderstorms here in Georgia.
In addition to the theory of the pottery-making origin of potholes, there are several other theories that have been proposed. One theory suggests that the term originated from the practice of using a pot or other container to hold tar or other materials used in road construction. Another theory suggests that the term originated from the practice of filling in holes in the road with pots and other containers before paving over them. All seem a bit far fetched to me.
Regardless of the exact origin of the term, potholes have long been a problem on roads and other paved surfaces. Potholes can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather, heavy traffic, and poor road maintenance. In areas with freezing temperatures, for example, water can seep into cracks in the pavement and freeze, causing the pavement to expand and crack. When the ice melts, it can create a depression in the surface of the road, which can lead to the formation of a pothole.
In areas with heavy traffic, the constant weight and movement of vehicles can cause the pavement to break down and create potholes. Poor road maintenance can also contribute to the formation of potholes, as neglecting to fill in cracks and depressions in the surface of the road can allow water to seep in and create larger problems over time.
To prevent the formation of potholes, it is essential to maintain and repair roads properly. This may involve filling in cracks and depressions in the surface of the road, sealing the pavement to prevent water from seeping in, and regularly inspecting and repairing roads to address issues before they become larger problems.
In conclusion, while the exact origin of the term “pothole” is uncertain for scholars, it is a simple explanation for a simple man that makes too much sense to argue with and a fine point to ponder. Regardless of the origin of the term, potholes have long been a problem on roads and other paved surfaces with no end in sight. Effective maintenance and repair of roads is essential to prevent the formation of potholes and ensure safe and reliable travel for all, so we can be sure the “pot hole” will be around for a long time to come.
Sometimes when you hear an explanation you know it’s BS, and sometime you just know that it’s right!
When I read this though I immediately knew that he was right.
Boatwright is always right.