The Discouraging Word provides a typically thoroughgoing investigation into the slang term "thank-you-ma'am," meaning a pothole—a term that was new to me, so I suspect it's regional or antiquated. TDW also goes into the expanded "wham, bam..." form, which leads to all sorts of unsavory matters. Enjoy.
Addendum. The term "thank-you-ma'am" is apparently current in Texas and New England (thanks, Bonnie!). Anywhere else?
Posted by languagehat at October 21, 2003 11:51 AMWBTYM -- I remember the phrase featuring prominently in something by Max Shulman, most famous for Dobie Gillis but also a screenwriter in some OK movies. I saw it around 1960-62 but have no idea when the book came out.
Posted by: Zizka at October 21, 2003 01:41 PMI've heard it dozens of times down here in Texas, so its not antiquated.
Posted by: Eric in Texas at October 21, 2003 05:49 PMSince TDW lists many sources starting after the 70s, I'm pretty sure the most famous source of the phrase was not music-related. As far as I know "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins, a basketball player in the 70s known for his dunks, had one named something like the "Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma'am Slam Jam" I've always heard it used as a sexual term, of course.
Posted by: cure at October 23, 2003 09:07 PMHat — from the novelty of the phrase, you infer that it may be old? Heh.
Posted by: Anton Sherwood at May 19, 2006 09:04 PM