Posted by ESC on October 16, 2004
In Reply to: Re: Blues guitarists posted by TheFallen on October 16, 2004
: : : : : : I remember this expression being used to say that I haven't heard anything. I was curious as to the origin and if I have it correct.
: : : : :
: : : : : Never heard that, but it reminds me of the phrase 'wouldn't say boo to a goose' to refer to a shy person. I don't understand that, either - why would anyone want to say boo to a goose?
: : : : "Haven't heard boo" was not uncommon in the rural midwest US a half centruy ago. Communication in these rural areas was often limited to the US Mail. Someone would go off to the military or college and when asked if there had been any contact the response might be "Havent heard boo". I havn't a clue as to why "boo" and haven't heard the expression for perhaps 50 years.
: : : I can remember an expression: "Wouldn't say boo to a goose." I don't know why one would want to.
: : Maybe I should have read the above more carefully.
: "Boo" here is clearly an exact synonym for "diddly". I am 120% sure that this has nothing to do with Bo Diddley.
But Bo Diddley has to do with the a diddley bow -a one-stringed instrument played like a slide guitar and mounted on a wall. Musicians with no means only needed a wall, a wire, three nails, and a block of wood to jam. (About.com)