Dictionary definition of “Baltimore wrench”

Baltimore wrench

n. a chisel and hammer; generally, as in additional forms given in citations, as a slang term a wrench is a tool used for a purpose other than that for which it was intended, especially when used as an implement of brute force. Subjects: English, Slang

Editorial Note: Jocular or lightly derogatory. The Historical Dictionary of American Slang also records similar terms Oregon wrench (1958, included in the citations below) and canal wrench (1972) and there is an unpublished HDAS citation for big red wrench ‘an acetylene cutting torch’ (1933). The LOTJ mentioned in the citations is the Lexicon of Trade Jargon, an unpublished project of the Works Progress Administration.

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Citations: *1938-39 Mendelowitz @ Wisc., Ohio, N.Y., Ind., Mich., Ala. Lexicon of Trade Jargon “Machinists’ Slang and Jargon [’add machinists’]” p. 3: Baltimore wrench. Hammer and flat chisel used to remove tight nuts. *1938-39 Mendelowitz Lexicon of Trade Jargon “Machinists” p. 22: Steamboat monkey wrench. Hammer and chisel. *1938-39 Lexicon of Trade Jargon “Petroleum and Oil Workers’ Slang and Jargon” (in Ill., Mont., Ark., Tex., Okla., Miss.) p. 4: Canal wrench. Shovel. 1958 McCulloch Woods Words p. 128 @ HDAS: Oregon wrench—Cold chisel and hammer.

Posted 8 Dec 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

Where I grew up, we called this misused tool an “Irish screwdriver;” especially when a hammer was used for brute force.

by joe1137 08 Dec 05, 0951 GMT