The Origin and Evolution of 'I Wouldn't Touch That with a Ten-Foot Pole'

The expression 'I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole' is a common idiom in English-speaking cultures. It is often used humorously to emphasize one’s distaste or reluctance towards something or someone. The exact origin of the phrase is not definitively known, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States in the early to mid-20th century. The phrase likely draws from the imagery of using a long pole to avoid direct contact with something undesirable or unappealing.

The Ten-Foot Pole: An Ancient Device

The ten-foot pole has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The Romans had their decempeda, a device used for surveying and building measurement. This ancient tool was handed down to modern times without further innovation. In 1832, the Indiana Palladium newspaper used the phrase in a political context, stating, “How true is the saying ‘a drowning man will catch at straws’. Here we see men who a short time since would not have touched Webb with a ten-foot pole welcoming him to their ranks and declaring their belief that on him depends the results of the next Presidential election.”

Predecessors: 'I Wouldn't Touch that with a Barge Pole'

The phrase 'I wouldn’t touch that with a barge pole' predates its ten-foot counterpart. The earliest known use of this expression is found in Lady Monkswell’s diary, where she wrote in 1893, “It will be a long while before any political party touches Home Rule again with the end of a barge pole.” Barge poles, which are quite long due to their use in maneuvering barges on canals, symbolized a distance people were willing to maintain from something they did not want to be associated with.

Meaning and Definition

The use of the ten-foot pole as an idiom is rooted in the practical use of the device. In the past, large ships required poles of considerable length to assist in construction and handling. When it became common to use such poles for ease, it represented a task that required very little effort on the part of the user. Thus, the expression evolved to mean something that would require far too little of one's time or effort to be bothered with it. It became part of the vernacular, even being used by people who may not fully understand its origins.

Usage and Cultural Impact

The idiom is often used humorously to express strong disapproval, reluctance, or disgust. For example, one might say, "I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole" about a project they find distasteful or unappealing. Over time, the expression has become a common part of everyday language in English-speaking cultures. It is a vivid and effective way to convey a sense of distaste without resorting to more direct language.

Conclusion

The phrase 'I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole' has evolved from its practical origins to become a powerful and widely understood idiom. Its use highlights the rich history and linguistic creativity of the English language. Whether used in casual conversation or formal discourse, the phrase remains a strategic tool for expressing strong reluctance or distaste.