the big pumpernickel

[Amy West]

I bet it's a nonce usage influenced by Wengen being in the
German-speaking section of Switzerland. If they really had wanted
local color, they would have worked "roesti" into it.

---Amy West

>
>Date:    Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:36:05 -0500
>From:    James Harbeck <jharbeck at SYMPATICO.CA>
>Subject: the big pumpernickel
>
>This is, it would seem, a new usage, since I can't find it on Google,
>but I wouldn't be surprised to hear it again. I was watching men's
>slalom from Wengen on CBC just now and the sportscaster, referring to
>a skier who pumped his fist in the air upon seeing his result at the
>finish, said "He gives it the big pumpernickel" -- obviously extended
>from (fist-)pumper.
>
>Admittedly, sportscasting in particular thrives on little variations
>like this.
>
>James Harbeck.

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