In the book Of Mice and Men, Slim is a "jerkline skinner". What IS that?

Question

Thanks!

Answer 1

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a skinner was a team driver. a jerkline skinner is one who tended to jerk the reins rather than holler gee or haw. (left or right) Made the animals fight the harness.

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Asker's Comment:

Thanks. I was hoping to understand where the "skinner" part came from (someone told me he was skinning cows for leather, but it didn't make sense), appreciate the "jerkline" part. Seems like Of Mice and Men is the only known use of the expression!

Answer 2

1. A skinner is the driver of a team of mules. A jerkline skinner is the main driver of a mule team who handles the jerkline (reins).

Slim, you're the best darned Jerkline Skinner that I ever layed eyes on.

2. One who's abilities to construct a spliff are of an extremely low standard.

I'm not smoking that your majesty, it looks as if it's been rolled by a jerkline skinner.

I think the first defintion is the one that applies to "Of Mice and Men".

Answer 3

. jerkline skinner 5 up, 1 down

n. Of North American origin. A jerkline is a single rein that runs to the lead animal in a team of mules or horses.

1. A driver who can control the team by use of the jerkline.

2. One who's abilities to construct a spliff are of an extremely low standard.

Slim, you're the best darned Jerkline Skinner that I ever layed eyes on.

Source(s):

urban dictionary