have the world by the short and curlies

[Edher]

Hello,

This is another line from the movie "Blow." Here, George is describing how powerful he felt when he was earning large amounts of money from his drug-dealing business.

"It was satisfying to have the world by the short and curlies."

Again, if any of you know the origin of this expression, it would be highly appriciated.

Thank You,
Edher

 

[lsp]

Hello,

This is another line from the movie "Blow." Here, George is describing how powerful he felt when he was earning large amounts of money from his drug-dealing business.

"It was satisfying to have the world by the short and curlies."

Again, if any of you know the origin of this expression, it would be highly appriciated.

Thank You,
Edher

aka by the balls (the connection being pubic hair)

 

[Sharon]

I'm not sure of the origin of this phrase, I'm not even sure if I have the original phrase, but this seems to be a variation of "to have someone by the short hairs." (With the connection being pubic hairs. )

If you have someone by the short hairs, you have their full, undivided attention, and chances are they will do whatever it takes to make you happy!!

Hope that helps!
Sharon.

 

[Edher]

I had the idea that it had to do something with the male anatomy but it didn't cross my mind that he was talking about pubic hair. I thought he was referring to the actual testis, but then I wasn't sure because well, it would be really painful to have them curled up. Thanks for you help Isp and Sharon.

Edher