Date: Sat, 19 Oct 1996 10:08:25 -0500

From: Joseph Claro claro1[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]EARTHLINK.NET

Subject: The Grapes of Wrath



There's a scene in The Grapes of Wrath in which Steinbeck tosses off

several wise-guy remarks found on those signs that (used to) hang on

the wall near the cash register of diners, bars, and the like. The

next-to-last in his series is "Eat Here and Keep Your Wife as a Pet."

It's followed by a puzzling final entry: IITYWYBAD? (The question

mark is Steinbeck's.)



Does anyone know what those letters stand for? My guess is that it's

something bawdy (by 1939 standards), and I've even worked out a few

sentences that make some sense. But I'd like to find out if anyone

knows what it really means.



Please send responses to the list or to claro1[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]earthlink.net. Thanks.



Joe Claro