Ken Gargett Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 always assumed that this was some sort of perversion of needing ten yards for a down but i gather i was not even close. nor was anyone. interesting article from the nyt on the origins of the phrase. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/27/books/the-whole-nine-yards-seeking-a-phrases-origin.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20121229&_r=0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBL Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Interesting article, although still not very definitive. I always thought it's origins came from the ammunition belt (I think Dara O'Briain commented on that on an episode of QI) used during the war. But its origin stemming from six yards is an interesting theory that seems plausible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mazolaman Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Very interesting. I also thought it was the ammo belt. Many of these English language phrases also originate from sea faring days.. ie the word Posh, or batten down the hatches etc....so I wouldn't be surprised if it had some connection there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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