Many of us have heard this expression: "Order of the Sutuly." However, not everyone knows the history of its origin. But we often use this phrase in everyday speech. But how can a word be spoken, and its meaning not fully understood ?! This is at least strange.
Let's try to deal with this issue.
Where did this expression come from?
Language historians still argue about where this expression came from. However, most of them agree that this phrase appeared recently - about 50-60 years ago. It belongs to non-literary varieties of the Russian language, is included in the so-called group of slang expressions.
Moreover, the phrase “Order of the Sutuly” can be attributed both to professional words and to youth slang.
With professional jargon, he will be united by the fact that this expression denotes the award that is received for long service in the military service, navy, and even at the factory. With youth slang, this expression is related in that it has an ironic connotation.
Well, can you be proud that you were awarded the Order of the Sutuly with a spin on the back?
And why the spin on the order on the back?
Answering this simple question is not so easy. Well, firstly, the spin on the back indicates precisely the stoop of a person. He served faithfully for so many years, so he became stooped, decrepit.
Secondly, this expression means that there is nothing good in this order. He’s even ashamed to twist it on his chest, so they hang it on his back. As they say, out of sight.
Perhaps this expression is connected with the personality of the famous Secretary General L.I. Brezhnev. As you know, he had so many awards that they simply could not fit on his chest. Ostroslov from the dissidents proposed making twists on the back of the leader, because there was simply nowhere to hang orders and medals. And so it’s possible …
Therefore, this stroke indicates, rather, the low importance of this so-called award.
