the whole nine yards - origins

[Ken Gargett]

always assumed that this was some sort of perversion of needing ten yards for a down but i gather i was not even close. nor was anyone.

interesting article from the nyt on the origins of the phrase.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/27/books/the-whole-nine-yards-seeking-a-phrases-origin.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20121229&_r=0

[CBL]

Interesting article, although still not very definitive. I always thought it's origins came from the ammunition belt (I think Dara O'Briain commented on that on an episode of QI) used during the war.

But its origin stemming from six yards is an interesting theory that seems plausible.

[mazolaman]

Very interesting.

I also thought it was the ammo belt.

Many of these English language phrases also originate from sea faring days..

ie the word Posh, or batten down the hatches etc....so I wouldn't be surprised if it had some connection there.