Origin of Pilot Term "Balls-to-the-Wall

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phrase "balls-to-the-wall," its origins, and its implications in modern usage. Participants explore its etymology, particularly its connection to aviation terminology and mechanical concepts, while also addressing potential misunderstandings and cultural sensitivities surrounding the phrase.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant explains that "balls-to-the-wall" originates from WWII pilot terminology, referring to throttle controls in aircraft, and emphasizes that it does not imply genitalia.
  • Another participant suggests an alternative interpretation related to mechanical governors, indicating that "balls out" could be more appropriate in that context.
  • A participant humorously questions whether the phrase should be rephrased to "knobs-to-the-firewall" for technical accuracy.
  • Some participants express that the phrase is similar to "pedal to the metal" and argue that it lacks sexual connotations unless interpreted that way intentionally.
  • Concerns are raised about changing meanings of phrases over generations, with one participant sharing personal experiences in woodworking that highlight this issue.
  • Another participant acknowledges their unfamiliarity with the idiom and appreciates the explanation provided.
  • Discussion includes a light-hearted reference to another phrase, "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey," and its supposed historical context, with some skepticism about its accuracy.
  • Several participants note the challenges of using certain phrases due to assumptions and potential misunderstandings by others.
  • Humor is present in the discussion, with references to personal anecdotes and playful banter among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the interpretations and implications of the phrase "balls-to-the-wall." While some assert that it is non-offensive and purely technical, others acknowledge the potential for misinterpretation and cultural sensitivity. The discussion remains unresolved on the broader implications of language evolution and interpretation.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the evolving nature of language and the importance of context in understanding phrases. There are references to historical interpretations that may not be universally accepted, and some participants express uncertainty about the accuracy of certain etymological claims.

  • #31
"gay" meant "merry", rather than "happy", and in the 18th-19th century, "gay women" was a euphemism for prostitutes.

Thus, "gay" has a long history signifying "looseness",particularly with regard to festive mood/sexuality, with "gay cat" being a term used on effeminate young men in the 1920's or so.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Danger said:
:bugeye: So where are you? If you're a Yank and call me "neighbour" you must be in Montana, North Dakota, or the narrow bit of Idaho. (Oh, crap... I just noticed that you spelled "neighbour" correctly, so you must be a fellow Canuk.)

Indeed I am. Hello from B.C.!
 
  • #33
I found an interesting fact about the word "harlot" on dictionary.com.
The word harlot nowadays refers to a particular kind of woman, but interestingly it used to refer to a particular kind of man. The word is first recorded in English in a work written around the beginning of the 13th century, meaning "a man of no fixed occupation, vagabond, beggar," and soon afterwards meant "male lecher." Already in the 14th century it appears as a deprecatory word for a woman, though exactly how this meaning developed from the male sense is not clear. For a time the word could also refer to a juggler or jester of either sex, but by the close of the 17th century its usage referring to males had disappeared.
 
  • #34
Thanks for ruining that for me Dan Man. ;-p

And "powder monkey" referred to the negros. "Brass monkey" is a potent kinda drink.
Arildno said:
"gay" meant "merry", rather than "happy", and in the 18th-19th century, "gay women" was a euphemism for prostitutes.

Thus, "gay" has a long history signifying "looseness",particularly with regard to festive mood/sexuality, with "gay cat" being a term used on effeminate young men in the 1920's or so.

Funny enough my friends and I refer to each other as bundles of sticks all the time.Certain words just cease to really mean much of anything except a stupid immature joke when you through them around like confetti at a parade. I patiently wait for the day that any person will laugh, or simply roll their eyes, at any generally asterisked word.
 

Similar threads

Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K