TIL that "balls to the wall" and “balls out" do not from anatomy or sports, but from piloting and engineering.
“Balls to the wall” was when you pushed the (typically three) levers that regulated engine power on airplanes all the way in, or "to the wall”.
"Balls out” comes from centrifugal governors on steam engines. When they are out, you are at maximum speed. I know that it's considered vulgar, and that must be because of the connection to (human) testicles, right?
#Language #idioms #slang
Michael Kazarnowicz /
npub1pd…xph5w
2024-06-11 12:53:26
Author Public Key
npub1pdsyxkrru8te3gjkpqdssr3wgvghurahnu4mzznt07rltfk086ds6xph5wPublished at
2024-06-11 12:53:26Event JSON
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