Word Origins

Jack boots

Hi,
Iam watching a movie and an Irishman said, "I hate going 'round my house groveling to Mrs. Jack Boots." He was refering to an American woman letting his house for the summer.

I googled Jack boots, but could not make the leap from wikipedia's answer to why he woull call an American this.
Any help would be appreciated.

EngTeach Sun 09/03/08 01:18

<< Previous

Next >>

Subscribe to question

Post an Answer

Buenchico
Sun 09/03/08
01:30

The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines a jack boot as a 'large boot worn above the knee, worn especially by 17th century to 18th century cavalry and by Nazi soldiers'. However, it also states the same definition is used figuratively to describe 'oppressive behaviour'.

If I had viewed the film scene which you describe, I would have assumed that the Irishman was making a figurative reference to his American landlady, comparing her attitude to that of a jack-booted Nazi.

Chris

EngTeach
Sun 09/03/08
21:19

Question Author

Thanks Chris. Just curious.

Post an Answer

Submit the above question and answers

add to del.icio.us	add to digg	add to furl
add to reddit	add to Technorati	add to Blinklist
add to StumbleUpon	add to squidoo	add to ma.gnolia
add to Cocomment	add to Netscape	add to Fark

Most Recent

Most Recently Answered

All Unanswered

All Answered