We have discussed the expression "the whole nine yards" before, and no one
had a definitive source on its origin. But in construction, the volume of a
standard ready-mixed concrete truck was traditionally 9 [cubic] yards (=7
m3) and I have personally heard builders say "the whole nine yards" meaning
simply a whole truckful of concrete.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On
> Behalf Of Gregory Peterson
> Sent: 2001 January 23 Tuesday 08:31
> To: U.S. Metric Association
> Subject: [USMA:10605] the whole eight metres
>
>
> My wife heard a comment on the origin of the saying "the whole
> nine yards."
>
> Apparently it is the amount of fabric needed to make a complete
> formal Scottish kilt, sporran, and plaid and not a reference to
> American/Canadian football as I had always suspected.
>
> Thus the "proper" SI translation would be "the whole eight metres".
>
> Can anyone back up the origin of this saying?
>
> greg
>
>
