Many people assume that it refers to male genitalia. This, of course, is absurd. Male athletes protect their tender parts. They do not expose them while competing.
The term originates with steam engines, specifically, locomotives. The speed limiter on a steam engine is a centripetal governor. An example is shown above. The crew communicated verbally. The crew could tell they had reached maximum speed by looking at the governor. They knew they were traveling at maximum possible speed when the governor was "Balls-Out".
So it is perfectly appropriate to use the term "Balls Out" in polite company. You can tell them Eaton Rapids Joe's younger brother said it was OK.
Also the origin of the term "high-balling."
ReplyDeleteOld 1811 beat me to it. My grandfather was a RR engineer back in the day and told me that they called it highballing when they were running wide open.
ReplyDeleteOld 1811 beat me to it. My grandfather was a RR engineer back in the day and told me that they called it highballing when they were running wide open.
ReplyDelete---This comment came in via email. Name withheld pending permission to use it. I can share that this source is a toolmaker and has at least one college degree in mathematics.---
ReplyDeleteJoe,
Your source is wrong, if only in detail.
Re: Balls out
"The term originates with steam engines, specifically, locomotives. The speed limiter on a steam engine is a centripetal governor. An example is shown above. The crew communicated verbally. The crew could tell they had reached maximum speed by looking at the governor. They knew they were traveling at maximum possible speed when the governor was "Balls-Out"."
Proportional governors were used on stationary steam engines, not locomotives. The speed of a steam locomotive is entirely in the hands of the engineer via the throttle. By the way, the device predates the steam engine.
This source is wrong in its entirety.
Re: Comment, Old 1811September 13, 2015 at 7:40 AM
Also the origin of the term "high-balling."
The earliest railroad signaling was literally a ball, about a yard in diameter, on a vertical wire. The lowest position meant stop. The highest position meant clear track ahead, hence "high ball".