Pop quiz

[Harrylee]

Just sitting in the shop tonight and the phrase ( the whole 9 yards) popped in my head. Now I always thought it came from the length of a belt from a machine gun but I see other views on the meaning. So who is smart enough to put the meaning to rest?:cool:


http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-27477422

[CJB]

I always read that it was from .50BMG belts, in their standard "big can" config, as used on deck guns, aircraft (in all firing positions), etc.

The picture in the link ain't what I'm talkin' bout!

[Planedude]

During WWII, a navy Hellcat fighter had six 50cal MGs. The aircraft would hold 27ft of ammo belts, or, nine yards of ammo...

Returning from a mission where a pilot had fired every round carried by the Hellcat, it was said "he gave the Japs the whole nine yards".

[Bawanna]

That makes sense Planedude, lets got with that. I'll post it on the internet and then it'll be a fact. Right?

Really I think you nailed it 27 feet divided by 3, crap take off a shoe, carry the 2, aw heck I'll take your word for it.

[Planedude]

Well that's how I heard it from a WWII Navy vet. He went down on the Hornet "for some swim time" and finished the war on the Big E. He could tell some stories...

[Baklash]

I love to learn the derivation of phrases like that. Things like, "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey", "dead ringer", etc.

[muggsy]

As a sailor I know the origin of the "brass monkey" phrase. :D Though I'm not a flier I know the origin of balls to the wall, too.

[TheTman]

I thought it was the length around Rosie O'Donnells butt.