You dipstick

Posted by Spencer Hall on July 14, 2007

How long has the expression "You Dipstick" been around?

The reason I ask is that when the Austin 1800 came out in 1964 early examples suffered seized big ends - the problem was worse with careful private owners than commercial users. It took BMC 6 months to nail the problem which was due to an incorrectly calibrated dipstick that caused the counterweights on the crank to froth up the sump oil which in turn meant the oil pump could only send aerated oil to the big ends. Inadequate lubrication caused the engine to seize under warranty and a big bill to BMC.

Is this the origin of the expression "You dipstick" or was the expression around prior to October 1964?

• You dipstick Smokey Stover 14/July/07
  • You dipstick Bob 15/July/07
    • You dipstick R. Berg 15/July/07