[Ads-l] 23-Skidoo

[Christopher Philippo]

Google snippet can be so frustrating.

The whole text of "How '23, Skidoo,' Originated" can be seen at
http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433110020801;view=1up;seq=221
Quoting:
So many shoemen have been heard to ask how the favorite slang expression, "23, skidoo," originated, that the
version of Selden A. McOmber. a salesman for Wright, Peters & Co., Rochester, may be worth repeating.
Mr. McOmber says that the expression is forty or fifty years old, and has been revived because of the popularity of the song bearing that name.
"In circuses, years ago, there were always 23 acts,” he recalls. “The tent and awning men, after their work was
over, and during the performance usually went to sleep under the wagons. The boss awning men, when
the last act was being put on, would go about and arouse the men by shouting, 'Twenty-three! Skidoo!’ The
twenty-three alluded to the last act and meant that it was time to prepare to remove the tent."
"Skidoo," Mr. McOmber thinks, is a variation of “Skedaddle,” which means to “get up and away.”

"Keep the Store Busy During August; Here's an Original '23-Skidoo' Clearance Sale That Will Help to Do It" is interesting
http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433110020801;view=1up;seq=311

I would love one of those pins!

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