Wordsmith.org: the magic of words

Wordsmith Talk

About Us | What's New | Search | Site Map | Contact Us  

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#163098 11/01/06 06:47 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 293
ParkinT Offline OP
enthusiast
OP Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 293
I know we are all drawn to this place by our affection for words.
And discovering the origin of words is one thing I find quite fascinating.
But, there are many phrases we use that have obscure and even comically roots.
I was suprised (pleasantly) to learn the origin of the expression:
"Balls to the wall" It comes from the early days of air warfare, where the throttle controls for individual engines were levers - each with a ball on the top - and when they were pressed all the way forward; touching the firewall, the ship was at full throttle.
BALLS TO THE WALL.

Anyone have others?

------
Did you ever wonder...?


"I am certain there is too much certainty in the world" -Michael Crichton
#163099 11/01/06 07:14 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891
B
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
B
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891
I've never head that expression spoken to mean "fast".

Actually, the only times I've ever heard it is on television when some angry person will say to the person he's angry at, "I'll nail your balls to the wall"

I've never heard anybody say it in everyday life.

#163100 11/01/06 07:18 PM
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
I've heard, and used it as PT originatated it.


formerly known as etaoin...
#163101 11/01/06 07:48 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891
B
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
B
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,891
So how do you say it?

Is is like "Yay, I love my new car. I get balls to the wall!" ?

#163102 11/01/06 07:49 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788
See also this.

#163103 11/01/06 08:31 PM
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Quote:

So how do you say it?

Is is like "Yay, I love my new car. I get balls to the wall!" ?




no, no. like "let's go! balls to the wall!"


formerly known as etaoin...
#163104 11/01/06 08:31 PM
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511
Quote:

I've heard, and used it as PT originatated it.




Heh.


Moderated by  Jackie 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Forum Statistics
Forums16
Topics13,912
Posts229,283
Members9,179
Most Online3,341
Dec 9th, 2011
Newest Members
TRIALNERRA, befuddledmind, KILL_YOUR_SUV, Heather_Turey, Standy
9,179 Registered Users
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 444 guests, and 3 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Top Posters(30 Days)
Top Posters
wwh 13,858
Faldage 13,803
Jackie 11,613
tsuwm 10,542
wofahulicodoc 10,510
LukeJavan8 9,916
AnnaStrophic 6,511
Wordwind 6,296
of troy 5,400
Disclaimer: Wordsmith.org is not responsible for views expressed on this site. Use of this forum is at your own risk and liability - you agree to hold Wordsmith.org and its associates harmless as a condition of using it.

Home | Today's Word | Yesterday's Word | Subscribe | FAQ | Archives | Search | Feedback
Wordsmith Talk | Wordsmith Chat

© 1994-2024 Wordsmith

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5