The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 23, June 10, 2007, Article 12

DROP A PENNY, SPEND A PENNY (OR A EURO)

Regarding our earlier quiz question about the phrase "Spend a Penny", 
Harry Waterson writes: "Since I lived in England for 8 years, 'spend 
a penny' was not new news. However, no one mentioned the concomitant 
phrase, 'the penny dropped'. It is cross-referenced in Brewer's 
which defines this phrase as 'The meaning or significance of something 
became clear. The illusion is to a penny-in-the-slot machine or devise, 
such as a doorlock, which cannot operate until the penny is inserted 
and drops.' It seems you first have to spend a penny and then all 
is suddenly clear."

Carl Honore writes: "As a former actor I can quote a stage source for 
"spend a penny". It occurs in the British comedy "It Runs in the 
Family" By Ray Cooney. It is a recurring gag line by one of the 
characters in the play. I appeared in the comedy locally in my 
home town."

Bob Knepper writes: In The E-Sylum v10n22 (June 3, 2007) you and 
others discussed "Spend a Penny" and subsequent inflation. Here's 
another inflation example: My wife Sue and I just came back from a 
trip to Germany with pictures of a sign in the Leipzig train station 
for "Clean, Safe and clean toilets. Pissoir 0,60 Euro, Toiletten 
1,10 Euro, Dusche 7,00 Euro." 

"Also, thanks to you and Joe Boling for identifying the W.P.C.C. 
Library stamp in my watermark appendix reprint from 
"Wertpapierwasserzeichen" (same E-Sylum). I was told that the 
appendix by Kurt Lehrke may be to a book by Keller. I have many 
of the Keller books but none have that appendix." 

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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