My friend Vern posted this on Facebook today:
I love language trivia. Here are a few things I have picked up over the years regarding the origin of terms, and how they have become a part of our everyday vernacular.
1- "The Whole Nine Yards" : During World War II the heavy bombers over Europe were armed with .50 cailber heavy machine guns. A bandolier of ammo for these guns was nine yards long. If you shot a whole bandolier at the same enemy fighter that was called giving them "The Whole Nine Yards"
2- "Hooker" : In early colonial New York City most of the prostitutes hung out down on the waterfront on "Hook" street. Therefore the ladies walking that street became know as "Hookers"
3- "Rule of Thumb" : This one is kind of sinister. Apparently back in medieval times it was socially acceptable for a man to beat his wife as long as the device he used was no bigger in diameter than his thumb. Hence the term "Rule of Thumb"
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