three bags full, sir

English

Etymology

Referencing the nursery rhyme Baa, Baa, Black Sheep with the lyrics "Have you any wool? / Yes, sir, yes, sir, / Three bags full".

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌθɹiː bæɡz ˈfʊl ˌsɜː/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌθɹi bæɡz ˈfʊl ˌsɝ/, [- ˌsɚ]

Phrase

three bags full, sir

1. (often sarcastic) Intensifies a statement of agreement, indicating that the speaker is craven or obsequious.
   • 2004, Paul Charles, The Complete Guide to Playing Live: A Survival Guide to the Rock Circuit, Music Sales Group, →ISBN:

     Some managers took 50% of the income, some even paid the artist nothing but a weekly salary, and still the majority of those artists said, yes sir, no sir and three bags full sir. To a great degree, Epstein changed all of that ...

   • 2006, Barbel Mohr, The Cosmic Ordering Service, Hachette UK, →ISBN:

     Because, if he speaks his truth, he may no longer have a job and so, instead of living his truth, he says: “Yes, Sir; of course, sir. Three bags full, Sir.” He gives his power away.

   • 2014, Peter Robinson, DCI Banks: The first three novels, Pan Macmillan, →ISBN:

     Get forensic on to it right away.' 'Yes, sir,' Hatchley said through clenched teeth as he left. Banks could almost hear the 'three bags full, sir'