Understanding “By The Short Hairs”
The phrase “by the short hairs” is a vivid idiom meaning to have complete control over someone, often through blackmail, leverage, or a compromising situation. It implies a vulnerable hold, a position where the controlled party is helpless and easily manipulated. While seemingly a physical act, the imagery evokes a feeling of being utterly and uncomfortably restrained, stripped of agency. It suggests a desperate situation for the person ‘held’ – a lack of escape, and a complete dependence on the controller’s whims.
Origin of “By The Short Hairs”
The phrase appears to have originated in the late nineteenth century, though it is not found in standard dictionaries. Some have suggested that the phrase first appeared in a 1890 short story, but no such text can be found. The phrase gained some attention in the early twentieth century, appearing in the 1930 novel Doctors in Case by L. Dorothy Slayers and Robert Eustace, where it was used in a domestic context. The phrase does not refer to pubic hair; rather, it metaphorically denotes a vulnerable spot such as the nape of the neck.
Analysis of the Phrase in Literature
Significance of Imagery and Connotation
The power of “by the short hairs” lies in its visceral imagery. It’s not merely about control, but about how that control is exerted. The phrase evokes a sense of pain, humiliation, and helplessness. It is a physical act translated into a metaphor for psychological or political domination. This makes it far more impactful than a simple statement of ‘control.’ Authors often employ this phrase to quickly establish a power imbalance, conveying a sense of urgency and tension. The phrase isn’t subtle; it is meant to shock and highlight the vulnerability of the person being controlled. The connotation extends to suggest coercion, manipulation, and potentially even abuse of power.
Example #1: Quarry’s Choice by Max Allan Collins
He sighed, nodded, bowing to my wisdom. “You know, Jackie thinks he has these politicians by the short hairs, and maybe he does, but nobody is immune from a bullet.”
“How does he have them that way? By the short hairs, I mean. Just because he pays them off?”
Mr. Woody smirked and shook his head. “No, Quarry, it’s more than pay-offs. Our Jackie’s one smart cookie. He’s got a fantasy hotel he uses. Down the Strip half a mile.”
Here, the phrase isn’t about physical restraint but about leverage. Jackie doesn’t physically control the politicians; he controls them through compromising information and blackmail. The “short hairs” suggests a crude, undeniable hold – he has something on them that they desperately want to keep hidden. The dialogue clarifies that it’s not simply about money, but about deeply damaging secrets. The use of the idiom adds a touch of roughness to the character of Jackie, suggesting a ruthless and unrefined approach to power.
Example #2: Imitations of Intimations by Timoshenko Aslanides
Diomedes do it? And what songs did those Sirens sing? I shout: enough! Let’s forget what Diomedes did. Our Thracian whores got Orpheus by the short hairs. Just what is happening now. Why is my glass empty? Look sharp there. Fill me up with that red wine. How else can my skill be heard, if I’m not drunk?
In this poetic context, the phrase takes on a more ironic and figurative meaning. It suggests that even the great musician Orpheus was susceptible to manipulation, specifically by those considered socially beneath him. The “short hairs” in this instance imply a loss of dignity and control, highlighting the power of seduction and the vulnerability of even the most talented individuals. It serves as a contrast to Orpheus’s usual power over others through his music, demonstrating the universality of control and vulnerability.
Example #3: The Last Godfather: The Life and Crimes of Arthur Thompson by Reg McKay
Then he had them where he wanted them. They stood to lose their jobs, their marriages, and probably a lot more. As they say in Glasgow, he grabbed them by the short hairs, where it hurts. But Thompson did offer regular small payments for their cooperation. While he was never slow to impose his will with the most extreme violence, he needed these guys to stay in the job where they were useful to him. Besides, with every payment they took, he gains great control as they dug themselves deeper and deeper into a compromised hole of their own making.
This excerpt exemplifies the phrase in a criminal context, emphasizing the brutal and coercive nature of control. Thompson doesn’t rely on subtle manipulation; he uses threats and blackmail to bend others to his will. The phrase, coupled with the Glasgow vernacular, highlights the ruthless efficiency and intimidation tactics employed by the gangster. The passage demonstrates how accepting even small “payments” can lead to a loss of agency and a tightening grip of control.
Example #4: Freedom and Terror: Reason and Unreason in Politics by Gabriel Weimann, Abraham Kaplan
Power had always been associated with violence. Power is distinguished from influence by the severity of the sanctions it has at its disposal; bodily harm among the most severe. Metaphors for the exercise of power drawn from bodily violence abound: to put the screws on, twist one’s arm, ram down one’s throat, have under one’s thumb, have someone by the short hairs (or more vulnerable parts), push him to the wall, be on his back, have the upper hand, or lay a heavy hand on him, as in the recent Scriptural idiom, “with a strong hand an overstretched arm.” Other metaphors describe the exercise of power as crushing the body: ride roughshod over, treat like dirt under one’s feet, or use as a doormat.
This excerpt, from a work of political science, demonstrates the phrase’s connection to broader metaphors of power and domination. The phrase is presented as one example within a long list of violent metaphors used to describe the exercise of control. This highlights how the phrase resonates with deep‑seeded understandings of power as something inherently forceful and potentially harmful. The focus on “vulnerable parts” reinforces the idea that true control comes from exploiting weakness.
Beyond Literature: Usage and Nuance
The phrase “by the short hairs” isn’t limited to literary contexts. It is commonly used in everyday language and journalism to describe situations where someone is being unfairly controlled or exploited. It can also be used figuratively to describe someone who is desperate or in a precarious situation. Understanding the nuances of the phrase allows for a more effective and impactful use of language.
For example: “They’ve got the company by the short hairs, demanding concessions at every turn.” or “He’s desperate; they have him by the short hairs.”
In conclusion, “by the short hairs” is a vivid and powerful idiom with a rich history and a wide range of applications. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to convey a complex and nuanced understanding of power, control, and vulnerability.