Recycle those brown trousers....

Posted by Sauerkraut on October 29, 2000

In Reply to: Recycle those brown trousers.... posted by Bob on October 26, 2000

: : : : Do anyone know what this means, "He changed into his brown trousers"?
: : : : I need to know for my project!
: : : : Thank you

: : : : Babysilver

: : : Long ago lived a seaman named Captain Bravo. He was a manly man's man who showed no fear in facing his enemies. One day, while sailing the seven seas, a lookout spotted a pirate ship and the crew became frantic. Captain Bravo bellowed, "Bring me my red shirt!" The First Mate quickly retrieved the captain's red shirt and while wearing the bright frock he led his mates into battle and defeated the pirates.

: : : Later on, the lookout spotted not one, but two pirate ships. The captain again howled for his red shirt and once again they vanquished the pirates.
: : :
: : : That evening, all the men sat around on the deck recounting the day's triumphs and one of the them asked the captain: "Sir, why did you call for your red shirt before battle?" The captain replied: "If I am wounded in the attack, the shirt will not show my blood, and thus, you men will continue to resist, unafraid." All of the men sat in silence and marveled at the courage of such a man's manly man.

: : : As dawn came the next morning, the lookout spotted not one, not two, but TEN pirate ships approaching. The rank and file all stared in worshipful silence at the captain and waited for his usual reply. Captain Bravo gazed with steely eyes upon the vast armada arrayed against his mighty sailing ship and, without fear, turned, and calmly shouted: "Get me my brown pants!"

: :
: : That's the way I heard the story a long time ago - interesting that it is still hanging around. I'm constantly fascinated by the use of these punch lines by people who might have a grasp of the current use and meaning, but not the origin.

: : Since we have to keep this site clean - e-mail me if you know or would like to know the origin of "your turn in the barrel" - a phrase I hear people use to indicate someone's turn to do an unpleasant task - few of the young folks know where it comes from.

: Those of us old enough can remember the story as Hitler being told Napolean always wore red, etc., to which he replied "bring me my brown trousers." I'd wager if we found someone 4000 years old, they could probably recollect the story, substituting Persians or Hittites or whatever. I know in every presidential election cycle, I hear the same old reliable jokes recycled, with just the players' names changed.

The subtlety in this story hinges on the association of colors - red with blood - brown with ---- as in being so afraid as to ---- in one's pants. TEN pirate ships!!!!

• Recycle those brown trousers.... BabySilver 10/30/00
  • Recycle those brown trousers.... Sauerkraut 11/02/00