Big Old Angry MudSucker

[HoudiniDerek]

What do you think that phrase meant? I have heard different interpretations over the years as to what Murdock was really saying about B.A. when he would use this phrase.

I have heard that he called him this because his expression and attitude were similar to someone who might be sucking up mud.

I have also heard a more cynical one that Murdock was referencing his color by calling him a mudsucker and that he turned black.

Do you agree with these? What is your interpretation of that phrase?

[billswoman]

You know it's weird, when I first read that, I thought it said "mindsucker."

Maybe it's a substitute for something that begins with "m" and rhymes with "sucker."

[HoudiniDerek]

People have suggested that too, but I never really considered it. You rarely heard them say the words "hell" or "damn." Why would they make something that obvious?

But, that is another good one, B.A.W. Those are probably THE Top Three interpretations for that phrase.

[jopierce]

I agree with BW on this. That's pretty obvious to me. Sure, they never said damn or hell.... which is why mudsucker would be obvious. It's funny for the adults, but doesn't really hold anything for the kids.


The sucking mud and turning black explanation...? Huh?

Maybe that's the explanation for why the earth is black...

[HoudiniDerek]

I have heard it before, so I thought I would see what you all thought. I tend to agree with BW as well on her idea...but the one about being grumpy and "sucking mud" works for me too.