> Or rather, question.  I've been pondering the meaning of "Galoot"
> since joining the list, and finally even discovered an FAQ that 

> final "ot" stands for "old tools."  I'm hard pressed to figure out
> the leading "galo," though the leading "g" might stand for gentlemen,
> grouches, grumps, gougers, geezers, etc., or maybe even "galoots".  
> Somebody help me out here.

Bob,

My sawdust clogged brain doesn't allow me to recall the original posters:

1) Definition of Galoot: See Safire's column, NY Sunday Times, July 21.

2) Acronymic derivation: Galoot is really Toolga backwards. The "tool" 
part is self explainatory. "Ga" has a lot of different meanings depending 
upon the occasion. 

	GAgging as in looking at your latest project that you've glued up
GAss backwards. 
	GAssing as in  what I'm writing now.
	GAloomphing as in visiting yard sales, swap meets and flea markets.
	GAggling as geese when galoot spots galoot.
	GArousing as when the old lady asks you when the hell you're 
coming out of the shop.
	GArand standing about your latest tool acquistion but heaven 
forbid not about a completes project.
	Getting GA GA over somebody's infill smoother.

I'd go on but my boss just yelled "GAt off the damn computer and GAt some 
goddamned work done."

Welcome and I'll leave it to you to fill in the blanks.

Don Stern