SOCKDOLAGER

PRONUNCIATION: (sok-DOL-uh-juhr)

MEANING: noun:
1. A decisive blow or remark.
2. Something exceptional or outstanding.

ETYMOLOGY: Of unknown origin, apparently from sock. Earliest documented use: 1830.

NOTES: The word sockdolager has an unusual claim to fame in US history. It turned out to be the cue on which John Wilkes Booth fired his shot at the 16th US President, Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), in Ford’s Theater. Lincoln was watching the play Our American Cousin and Booth, an actor himself and aware of the dialog, knew the line that brought the loudest burst of laughter from the audience was:

“Well, I guess I know enough to turn you inside out, you sockdologising old man-trap.”

Booth fired his gun at that precise moment to muffle the loud noise of his shot with the guffaws from the audience.
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SOCKO LAGER - the beer is outstanding

SOCK DOWAGER - the old lady is about to get beat up

SOCK DOLL AGER - the hand puppet is starting to look decrepit