"shade-tree mechanic", not in (some) dictionaries

[Alison Murie]

Paul's experience is nearly the same as mine.  The shade tree mechanic
may also work for others & is often a highly-valued member of a
neighborhood, & the block & tackle attached to the stout tree limb a
reassuring sight.
AM


~~~~~~~~~~~
On Feb 25, 2009, at 10:58 AM, Paul wrote:

> ---------------------- Information from the mail header
> -----------------------
> Sender:       American Dialect Society <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
> Poster:       Paul <paulzjoh at MTNHOME.COM>
> Subject:      Re: "shade-tree mechanic", not in (some) dictionaries
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> I'm 74 and have heard this most of my life, I always thought it was a
> standard description of a poor person, no garage, (why they're under
> the
> shade tree) and in addition the shade tree would have a big enough
> branch you could sling a rope over it and pull the engine.
> This came from back when it was standard engine repair to do a valve
> job
> or replace engine bearings.
>
>
> -
>
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> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org

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