So it's been bugging me.

For one reason or another, I recall thinking that a spatchcock was a sort of shovel. That made sense. Hands like shovels, big heavy and flat.

A spatchcock is a chicken or other game bird prepared for roasting or grilling by removing the spine.

"Hands like Spatchcocks"? Any ideas?

Your initial thought was correct, spatchcock is an old english slang (possibly army related) for a large flat shovel. Unfortunately it doesn't appear anywhere on the net as its that old, fortunately grandparents remember things that the internet doesn't.

Regards

Surak

Mind you, if you cut out the spine of a chicken, it'll fold out flat and be rather big, much like the large, flat shovel blade.

ogier300,

now you mention it thats a distinct possibility, I'm now wondering if thats where the slang came from.

Regards

Surak