Brass Tacks: A definition

“…down to brass tacks” adv phr fr early 1900’s

Dealing with the essentials; concerned with the immediate practical realities.

No, this web site is not intended to sharpen your abilities to make and sell brass nails.

Here, the term "brass tacks" is employed as an adjective to describe the nature of a special kind of business know-how, that which is designed to accommodate the unique needs of entrepreneurs and established business owner-operators, as well as those aspiring to those professions..

For over a century, the expression Brass Tacks has been used to indicate "practicality." The phrase "getting down to brass tacks" has traditionally suggested an effort to get to the fundamental essence of an issue or circumstance, to cut to the core by eliminating all unnecessary folderol.

It's rumored that the term was originated early in the nineteenth century by the proprietors of dry goods stores. When a customer pointed to a desired piece of fabric on a high shelf, the owner of the emporium would mount his rolling ladder to retreive it. On his way down to complete the sale, he would often mutter, "Let's get down to brass tacks."

This meant that he would quickly determine the cost of the purchase by measuring the yardage of the cloth using the space between two well-worn brass tacks he'd stuck into his wooden counter. Typically, tacks were spaced both a foot and a yard apart, thus facilitating a quick and certain determination of measurement without a lot of fuss.

Through this portal, you'll find many helpful Brass Tacks Tips that are offered in the spirit of the term's traditional origins and its usage today.