I've got a TL for you

Posted by Barbara Makature on August 16, 2008 at 15:59

In Reply to: I've got a TL for you posted by Barbara Makature on August 16, 2008 at 15:55:

: : : My 84-year-old aunt says "I've got a TL for you", meaning she's going to say something nice about you or give you a compliment. Has anyone else heard this? I'd love to know (and so would my aunt) how it came about.

**I found an answer myself and want to sharetrade-last (trdlst)
n. Informal
A favorable remark that one has overheard about another person and offers to repeat to that person in exchange for a compliment overheard about oneself.
-or-
trade-last - a compliment that I heard about you that I offer to trade for a compliment you have heard about me

I found references to use of the phrase in the old Fibber McGee and Molly radio program and also in the movie "Road to Morocco" with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.

• I've got a TL for you R. Berg 16/August/08