..., will travel

Posted by Smokey Stover on November 11, 2009 at 15:10

In Reply to: ..., will travel posted by Mary Lentz on November 11, 2009 at 14:02:

: I am interested in the phrase of "have _____, will travel". what is the origin and what does it mean? Thanks

This sounds very American. I can't remember a good example, but advertising that you "Have ......, will travel," was part of an effort to find employment, especially during the Great Depression in the U.S. I think the blank was filled in with some sort of tools of a trade, although "car" is a possibility. Like many stock phrases (see below) it stuck in the public mind and was sometimes repeated for humorous effect.
SS

• ..., will travel ESC 11/November/09
  • ..., will travel ESC 11/November/09
    • ..., will travel Smokey Stover 12/November/09
      • ..., will travel ESC 12/November/09