Re: The deal Posted by ESC on November 11, 1999
In Reply to: OK, here's the deal posted
by bob 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!
But if we knew for sure, that would spoil the fun.
- Re: The deal Gary Martin 11/11/99
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