The origin of the phrase "you're joshing me" sprung from a deaf, mute named Josh Tatum. He was one of many who passed electroplated no cents nickels as $5 dollar gold pieces. Due to his affliction, he was not prosecuted. He was physically unable to state he was trying to pass off the altered pieces as real. Nickel cigars were popular; so, if he received $4.95 in change, the merchant was at fault for not noticing the altered piece. Do you think this is where the phrase "you're joshing me" originated?
Try here for the origins of just joshing , under internet lingo . At bottom of page . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Billings rzage
Ahhh......Thanx rzage.....As usual, the legend is more interesting than the truth; much like Churchill's parrot screaming epithets at Hitler 50 years after WW II.
Hey I believed it , figured maybe I could confirm it for you , Then I read about Josh Billings whom I never heard of before , I like the legend version better . rzage
