Talk:not touch with a ten-foot pole
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Where is this etymology from? --66.190.99.112 05:47, 2 January 2015 (UTC)
- A ten-foot pole is a metaphoric measure that someone would not touch something or someone else with. First attested in 1839, American English. The ten-foot pole was a common tool used to set stakes for fences, etc., and the phrase "Can't touch de bottom with a ten foot pole" comes from the old minstrel show song "Camptown Races."
- "I saw her eat.
- "No very unnatural occurrence I should think.
- "But she ate an onion!
- "Right my boy, right, never marry a woman who would touch an onion with a ten foot pole." —Stephen (Talk) 06:34, 2 January 2015 (UTC)
- The British equivalent is a barge pole, but I think we copied the expression from American usage. Dbfirs 16:24, 2 January 2015 (UTC)
Unsourced etymologies moved from entry to talk[edit]
"This expression may have been derived by[sic] the 10-foot poles that river boatmen used to pole their boats with, along in shallow water, or from the barge poles that bargemen used to fend off wharfs and other boats."
"Many believe this expression originates from a burial practice in New Orleans. The Spanish developed burial system of present day proceeds by first placing the casket of the patron in an above ground tomb. Exactly 1 year and 1 day after burial, the tomb is opened and the casket removed. The body is next wrapped in a sheet and shoved to the back of the tomb with a ten foot pole where it falls off the shelf to the bottom. The weather of the area caused the remains to decompose quickly and tombs are subsequently reused for many burial. The expression, "I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole," is thought to have originated from this burial process."
"This source may also have its origin in Germany or other European cities from the time of great plagues. Homes had cutout hatches at the bottom where food and supplies could be left. The person delivering would push the supplies in with a pole, believed to be 10 feet long. Just something I was told by a tour guide in Bavaria. I can speak to it's truth."