Too many .............to shake a stick at?

[mintymow]

Anyone know this saying. Where did it come from? What was its original meaning.

[Clanad]

It may or may not be American is origin... "That American usage dates from early in the nineteenth century. One may speculate that it arose from the play at warfare by small boys - George Washington Jones flourishing a triumphant wooden sword over the considerable number of British soldiers who surrendered at Yorktown, more, in fact, than he could wave his 'stick' at. Then, too, we use the expression to indicate a comparative that may express derogation, and have done so for well over a hundred years. David Crockett, in his "Tour to North and Down East" (1835), wrote of one place at which he stayed, 'This was a temperance house, and there was nothing to treat a friend to that was worth shaking a stick at." From "Heavens to Betsy" (1955, Harper & Row) by Charles Earle Funk.).

There are, however, citations earlier than the given reference

"...We have in Lancaster as many Taverns as you can shake a stick at.
-- Lancaster Journal (Pennsylvania), August 5, 1818
The roistering barbecue fellow swore he was equal to any man you could shake a stick at.
--James K Paulding, - A Book of Vagaries (1868)

[tamborine]

its relating to dogs....shake a stick at one and a pack will attack you!

[mintymow]

Thanks to you both for interesting comments.