Jack boots

[EngTeach]

Hi,
Iam watching a movie and an Irishman said, "I hate going 'round my house groveling to Mrs. Jack Boots." He was refering to an American woman letting his house for the summer.

I googled Jack boots, but could not make the leap from wikipedia's answer to why he woull call an American this.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Buenchico]

The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines a jack boot as a 'large boot worn above the knee, worn especially by 17th century to 18th century cavalry and by Nazi soldiers'. However, it also states the same definition is used figuratively to describe 'oppressive behaviour'.

If I had viewed the film scene which you describe, I would have assumed that the Irishman was making a figurative reference to his American landlady, comparing her attitude to that of a jack-booted Nazi.

Chris

[EngTeach]

Thanks Chris. Just curious.