Posted by susan C on June 9, 2002, at 14:23:06
In reply to Re: Dr B: 'your mileage may vary'?? » fi, posted by NikkiT2 on June 9, 2002, at 13:29:23
It comes from auto gas milage ratings posted on new car stickers. You know, the ones that say "city" and "highway"? followed by the disclaimer, "your milage may vary". This is because the posted numbers are done in a (I think) Federally mandated/consumer protection way as to consistantly compare makes and models to each other. You, however, most likely, will not have driving habits like the ones of the tests. So, dont be surprised if when you take your new car home and drive in stop and go traffic for two hours to work that you dont get 60 miles per gallon as you read on your sticker. "your milage may vary". Drdashbob and the medical industry has humorously applied this to individuals and their responses to medications. Your milage may vary, by having just eaten, exercising, being of a certain weight, taking other medications, time of taking the medication, the phase of the moon, the pull of the tide, the time of day...etcetera etcetera
I put it in the 'medicine side effect phrase class' along with 'poop out'.
mouse behind the wheel.
poster:susan C
thread:5551
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020510/msgs/5554.html