On Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:35:56 -0600, Ema Nymton wrote:

> On 12/24/2010 12:16 PM, blake murphy wrote:
>> in cecil adams' *the straight dope* column:
>>
>> scroll down to the last paragraph and hit the link:
>>
>> <http://chicago.straightdope.com/sdc20101223.php>
>>
>> your pal,
>> blake
>
> Just reading the name Straight Dope brought back memories. Aunt Chickie
> used to telephone me, when she was tanked up, to ask what was going on
> with the family, she would say, "Give me the straight dope." You
> couldn't soft-pedal anything with Aunt Chickie. There are so many
> relatives I miss during the holidays.
>
> Becca

it's a useful phrase. likewise 'the real skinny' and the like.

your pal,
blake