Look close, it's Bobby!

 

six two and even

Thanks to my friend Claude I have more insight into the phrase "six two and even."

The phrase "six, two, and even" is an expression used by railroad workers in the early 20th century. Its origins lie in railroad operations, particularly those involving steam locomotives.

Origins and Meaning:

1. Railroad Jargon: The phrase was used as a way to indicate that everything was running smoothly and on schedule. In the context of steam engines, it referred to the settings or readings of the engine controls:

   • Six: Refers to the position of the Johnson bar (or reversing lever) set to "six points forward," indicating a standard forward motion setting.
   • Two: Refers to the cutoff setting for the steam engine. A setting of "two" was common for efficient running, indicating the percentage of the piston stroke during which steam is admitted to the cylinder.
   • Even: Implies that everything else is balanced and operating as expected.

2. Broader Use: Over time, the expression came to be used more generally to mean "everything is fine" or "all systems are go." It was a way to communicate that operations were proceeding as planned without issues.

Cultural Significance:

• Language and Slang: Like many phrases originating from specific professions, "six, two, and even" entered broader usage, often seen in literature or everyday conversation to convey smooth and trouble-free functioning.

In essence, "six, two, and even" is a piece of historical railroad terminology that has transcended its technical origins to become a part of colloquial English, symbolizing efficiency and normalcy in operations.

Recently, moonrise