Coxey's army

[kindkit]

Something today, probably Thanksgiving-related, got me thinking about a phrase my grandmother used to use to describe an abundance or overabundance of food: "enough to feed Cox's army." (Another variation is "Coxey's army.") I got to wondering how widespread it is, and also if it's in current use or is disappearing along with the people of my grandmother's generation.

So, a poll. I invite answers from everybody. Please not that I'm NOT just asking about the phrase "enough to feed an army." The name Cox's, Coxey's, or some recognizable variation of it is important.

Poll #12133

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 37

View Respondents

1) I live in the United States, and I (check all that apply):

View Answers

Have used the phrase myself
1 (3.7%)

Have heard someone say it in real life
3 (11.1%)

Have heard it in a film/tv show or read it in dialogue
0 (0.0%)

Am familiar with the phrase's origin
2 (7.4%)

Have never heard of it before
24 (88.9%)

2) I live in another primarily Anglophone country, and I (check all that apply):

View Answers

Have used the phrase myself
0 (0.0%)

Have heard someone say it in real life
0 (0.0%)

Have heard it in a film/tv show or read it in dialogue
1 (11.1%)

Am familiar with the phrase's origin
0 (0.0%)

Have never heard of it before
8 (88.9%)

3) I live in a country where English is not the main language, and I (check all that apply):

View Answers

Have used the phrase myself
0 (0.0%)

Have heard someone say it in real life
0 (0.0%)

Have heard it in a film/tv show or read it in dialogue
0 (0.0%)

Am familiar with the phrase's origin
0 (0.0%)

Have never heard of it before
2 (100.0%)

And if you're wondering where it comes from, Wikipedia has the very interesting historical background for two different 'armies'.

Comments

[likeadeuce]

I would not say I know the actual origin but I have heard or read debates over the origin (maybe in an 'Ann Landers' column or the like?) And I'm sure I had a junior high or high school teacher who used to say it.