Best Theory For Where The Term 'Whole Nine Yards' Originated
Word Wizard
![whole nine yards whole nine yards](/static/e7319d29acbe9c13d97fb6f50cc4263f/8aa1e/fighter-plane2.jpg)
Though most phrases are often thought of as antiquated, "whole nine yards" wasn’t actually seen in print until the early 1960’s.
There are a few competing theories as to the term's origins but perhaps the most plausible comes from WWII.
During pre-flight preparations combat planes would be outfitted with munitions.
In particular, 0.50 caliber ammo came in belts and would be fed into the machine gun of the plane - a full load measuring 27 feet or 9 yards.
If a gunner unloaded all his ammunition, he would have given the enemy the "whole nine yards".