whole sick crew

[Paul Mackin]

David Simpson wrote:

> Wha? Not sure what you're suggesting. But "Whole," as in "Whole Sick Crew," surely
> does mean "entire" or "complete" (as in "whole ball of wax," "whole darn thing,"
> etc.) WSC was a popular expression for assorted collections of rogues, scamps, and
> renegades throughout the 50's and early 60's. Am not sure of it's origin (would
> guess that it's naval), but the usage certainly enjoyed a long and popular
> existence prior to _V_ and outside fiction.

Quite right, David.  And  the naval origin of the phrase sounds plausible--I don't
specifically remember  its being used during my own Naval days but P's experience was
a bit later. Anyway,  the point  of the present discussion (mine at least) would be
that WSC as used by P  might profitably be heard in TWO senses--as a kind of pun
even. Of course there is nothing startling or unique in the idea that sickness may be
seen as a kind of healthy reaction to a (might we say) sick situation.  I cited old
Ronald Laing because he was a popular figure in left leaning circles of the day. P
would surely have been familiar with his writing. P has the knack for phrasing the
hip, the hep, and the true always ever so pleasingly.

                P.