The drama of etymology

Q: About what phrase could you possibly read this? And where could you read it?

It has resurfaced like an angry Moby-Dick, forcing etymologists to ask: When and where did the dormant phrase, now in its roaring comeback, begin?

A: The 'free world'. And in Safire's "On language" column today.

I feel like buying Safire a drink or something for getting off such a good line. It makes etymology sound exciting.

Image from here.