To get the shaft

Posted by RRC on March 09, 2006

In Reply to: To get the shaft posted by Brian from Shawnee on March 09, 2006

: : I'm looking into the origins of the term "to get the shaft", which I understand has something to do with the cemetery near the French Quarter. I'd like to hear from anyone who knows New Orleans lore and can verify the origins of this phrase. Thanks.

: From the Online Etymological Dictionary:

: "...Vulgar slang meaning 'penis' first recorded 1719. Verb meaning 'treat cruelly and unfairly' is 1950s, with overtones of sodomy. "

I'm not sure if Brian is emphasizing the right meaning of shaft, but I used to live in New Orleans and I can't think of any reason why it should be related to St. Louis Cemetery #1. All the tombs are above ground as the ground is so wet that they would "float" up otherwise, ergo no shafts of the hole-y type. ^_^ RRC

• Getting the shaft ... sucks Bob 09/March/06
  • Getting the shaft ... sucks Bob 09/March/06
    • Getting the shaft ... sucks RRC 09/March/06
      • Getting the shaft ... sucks Smokey Stover 09/March/06
        • Getting the shaft ... sucks Brian from Shawnee 10/March/06
          • Getting the shaft ... sucks RRC 10/March/06
            • Shafted Lewis 14/March/06