OK, here's the deal Posted by bob
on November 10, 1999
In Reply to: The whole nine yards posted
by Donald Martin on November 10, 1999
: I have seen and heard messages about this phrase coming from
cement trucks and scottish kilt makers, but I believe this to be
wrong. The phrase was made in reference to gunners in World War
2. The ammunition belts of a 50 calliber machine gun (used to shoot
at enemy planes) were 27 feet long (nine yards). If the gunner used
his entire belt of ammunition on a plane, he was giving him, "The
Whole nine yards." If this is not true, I would like someone to
send me another answer with some supporting evidence. I always thought
that this was just common knowledge?
Ok, I'm offering the First Annual Transatlantic 9 Yards Grand Prize...
to the first person to find an authentic text reference, dated pre-1946,
citing "the whole 9 yards" as referring to a machine-gun belt, I
will award a "Phrase Derivation Super Sleuth" certificate (with
gold seal) ... plus a $1 Cash Bonus. If indeed it was common knowledge,
there ought to be at least a few hundred citations available in
WWII newspapers, magazines, books, newsreels, whatever. Happy hunting!
- Re: The deal ESC 11/11/99
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