Date   : Sat, 04 Feb 2006 16:08:57 +0000
From   : Richard Gellman <splodge@...>
Subject: Box Standard/Deluxe

>>Quoting Richard Gellman (splodge@...):

>>
>> Coming in late on this one, the etimology of this term was covered by 
>> Stephen Fry on the end of an episode of QI. The origins actually lend 
>> two terms in common use. When Meccano was first made, it was released in 
>> versions:
>> 
>> 1. Box Standard - A basic set for the finanincally pushed providing 
>> hours of fun for the child, from whence we derive "Bog Standard", 
>> meaning "nothing special".


>Seems unlikely to me that QI's researchers would have found documentary
>evidence of this that wasn't available to the OED's compilers and given
>how long meccano has been around there can't be too many people left
>who remember the events. I think I'd be inclined to categorise this
>explanation as "tempting, but unproven".

I merely repeated the explanation given on the programme :)

I would note however that QI's researchers are normally quite thorough on
these things (and also rapid, one of Alan Davies' "facts" was pronounced
urban legend about 20 seconds after he said it).

Box->Bog is easier to understand, but Box Deluxe->Dog's Bollocks does require
a little creative thinking.

My initial thought is that a twist of the tongue might have been responsible,
culminating in "Dox Beluxe" (and no doubt at the time inspiring laughter).
Coupled with a regional accent, it becomes easier to see how we might end
up with "Dog's Bollocks".

I keep an open mind as to how true the QI explanation may be, but I do also
note QI is credible source of information like this.

-- Richard