Where does the term "haymaker" come from? Meaning: giant looping right hand. I can't figure out what it would have to do with hay.
Like you're bailing hay or something?
Probably the same guy that came up with "Barn Burner".
Haymaker in the sense of "very strong blow with the fist" is from 1912, probably in imitation of the wide swinging stroke of a scythe.
Typewriter - that's what I was thinking.
thanks japetto, but that sounds like it's just speculation. What is Hay made from? I would think some tall grain that is cut with a scythe. I don't think you call it Hay until it has been cut. Therefore, "making hay" is probably done by cutting it. That's why the action of a wide swinging motion makes more sense to me as a "hay maker."
I found the reference to the scythe from the online etymology dictionary (http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=h&p=3) and, of course, if it's online it must be true . . .!
Typewriter - I would also say if you broke a 4 month lurking streak to reply, you must be right.