You're no shop egg

Posted by Stuart Squires on June 12, 2007

I'm quite perplexed by a phrase that I've been using for years, that I'm sure I haven't made up, but cannot find any reference to on the glorious interweb!

I use the phrase, "You're no shop egg" to indicate that somebody is genuine. I've convinced myself that it originates from when grocers used to put porcelain eggs in their shop window to indicate that they not just sell eggs but they sell perfect eggs; obviously man made 'eggs' are more agreeable to the eye and nose than real eggs that have been sat in the window for 5 days.

I'm now doubting myself, but also potentially praising myself for dreaming up such a tale!

• You're no shop egg RRC 13/June/07
  • You're no shop egg ESC 14/June/07