Origin of saying

[lizabiz]

Where does the expression 'that's the stuff' come from?

[Quizmonster]

The earliest-recorded use of the exact phrase as a form of praise was in 1923. Then it referred to a theatrical farce called 'The Giddy Governess' which was said to have "a flock of fascinating flappers" in it. The comment was: "That's the stuff to give the troops!"

Of course, 'stuff' had been used for centuries prior to that to mean 'material' of various sorts...eg Prospero, in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', had said: "We are such stuff that dreams are made on."

[Quizmonster]

I should, of course, have said "as dreams" and not "that dreams" above!

[FredPuli]

At least you didn't put ' dreams are made OF ' QM !

[Quizmonster]

Certainly not, Fred! I think I put 'that' only because the 'that' in 'that's the stuff' was in my head. I knew it was wrong instantly, but - in the continued absence of any form of editing capability - I was stuck with it. Cheers

[lizabiz]

Thanks guys that was a fast reply! I'm actually trying to find out how this saying relates to a t-shirt I have. The picture is of two people wrestling. One is a guy who is being held in a headlock and the other is a guy or girl with sunglasses and blonde (light) hair. Any ideas as to what this refers to would be much appreciated!