Tin lizzie

Posted by ESC on November 03, 2003

In Reply to: Origin of specific word use. posted by Bruce on November 03, 2003

: The specific origin of the word "Lizzie"/"Lizzy" in the phrase "Tin Lizzie" as used in reference to the original model A, & model T, Ford vehicles, and later, its use was broadened to include any of a particular type of car / vehicle with less then substantial assembly or structure.

Here's what one reference says:

TIN LIZZIE - ".tin lizzie, 1915, originally only meant the Model T (Lizzie is from the common name for a Black maid who, like the car, worked hard all week and prettied up on Sunday)." From I Hear America Talking: An Illustrated History of American Words and Phrases by Stuart Berg Flexner (Von Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York, 1976).

• No, no, no Mr Knowitall 07/November/03
  • Yes, Yes, Yes Bob 10/November/03