Balls to the Wall - origin

[Pat]

The phrase "balls to the wall" does not refer to a certain part of a man's anatomy as many believe. It goes back to the early days of flying when the engine(s) throttle was capped with a ball. So to give the airplane full throttle it was "balls to the wall" meaning advance the throttle to the firewall or as close as you can get it.

Regards,

[cat in the hat]

Then I guess I'll start wearing pants at the track.

[TAKEDOWN]

Have you been watching American slang on the History Channel?

[Pat]

Awww, you got me.

[justbob]

Pat, I've heard a much different reference from Jay Leno in regards to that phrase.

He claims it's the operation of the governor on a steam engine.

zfDYgMfuEvY


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[Spectragod]

Then I guess I'll start wearing pants at the track.

I thought clothes were optional there?:confused:

[RubberCtyRauder]

Pat, I've heard a much different reference from Jay Leno in regards to that phrase.

He claims it's the operation of the governor on a steam engine.

zfDYgMfuEvY


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.

"Since 2004"

Leno's reference is for "balls all out" and the steam engine is what I heard but he does say balls to the wall as well

[Merrill]

Actually the phrase from the steam engine governor was " balls out "

[cat in the hat]

This was actually really interesting. Now I'm gonna go scratch my steam governor.

[martyo]

This was actually really interesting. Now I'm gonna go scratch my steam governor.

Better than having someone's steam governor on your chin. :P

[Spectragod]

Better than having someone's steam governor on your chin. :P

^^^^speaks like a man of experience^^^^:D

[martyo]

^^^^speaks like a man of experience^^^^:D

Blah, blah, blah!!! :rolleyes:

[pantheroc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_3TlrZLpQ0

[71cyclone]

The phrase "balls to the wall" does not refer to a certain part of a man's anatomy as many believe. It goes back to the early days of flying when the engine(s) throttle was capped with a ball. So to give the airplane full throttle it was "balls to the wall" meaning advance the throttle to the firewall or as close as you can get it.

Regards, That's what my Dad told me, He is 92 years old and World war II Tuskegee Air Man -B-25 and P-51 Pilot. ;) ,retired CFI instructor 1983

[Pat]

Outstanding, your very fortunate to have a living history lesson in your father.

My mother was a refugee from the old Ottoman Empire and had to make her way from the middle east, across Europe to America during the WW1 era (1910 to 1920). She could tell some stories. She lived to be 101.

So the issue is settled. "Balls to the wall" is referring to aircraft throttles.

Thanks for posting.

Regards,