The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #104750   Message #2148645
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
13-Sep-07 - 08:13 PM
Thread Name: Folklore: Expressions lost/gained with SI measures
Subject: RE: Folklore: Expressions lost/gained with SI measures
Country mile used in the U. S. and Canada as well.

What was that song about a bushel and a peck?
16 ton of No. Nine coal?
Her earnings were ten bob a week when she was on full time (line from "Bonny Wee Lass" version.
Full six fathom
And miles to go before I sleep-
In a little grave just six by three-
Acres of clams-
Camptown race track 5 miles long- oh doo dah day!
In the below the belt thread, baker's dozen was mentioned, as well as the gross (144).

I'll let someone else do the conversions.
I am afraid I have expanded to lines in songs as well as expressions.

A big horse- over 16 hands