big swinging mickey

[cherrycherry]

Does anyone know the origin of the phrase 'big swinging mickey, please?

[dancecaller]

No, I don't even know what it means. Is it rude?

[cherrycherry]

It is said when somebody isn't impressed by another person who may be showing off (eg "I know Wayne Rooney's cat's vet's brother", reply might be "Big Swinging Mickey").
I think it is of Irish origin but I was wondering how it came about, and I don't know if it is rude or not!

[Quizmonster]

'Mickey' is, apparently - though I have never heard it so used - an Irish term for 'penis'. That might fit with the 'swinging' idea and so the three words 'big swinging Mickey' presumably mean much the same as 'total' followed by a 5-letter word beginning with 'p' and ending wifh 'k'. At least, that seems to fit the definition you've given, Cherry.

[cherrycherry]

Thanks so much for your answer...I have been wondering what it meant for ages - ever since I had an Irish flatmate in the early 90s. I'm glad I know what it means now - it's a bit ruder than I thought so I will be careful not to use it in polite company. It's much appreciated.

[fluffyfeet]

its def. an irish statement thats wat men from around the border call their little private particles

[cherrycherry]

I'm glad that I know that now...I'd been thinking it concerned an Irish trapeze artist called Mickey who wasn't very good at his act!

[sarahzoe86]

lol im from Ireland and we do calls mens bits mickeys :L
big swinging mickey.. or big mickey swing means big deal!!
imalways lmao wen i hear sum1 on tv saying hes taking the mickey outta me... totally different meaning in ireland!! :D