Pink slip or big slip, ‘Little Deuce Coupe’ still purrs

Today’s question:

In the song, “Little Deuce Coupe,” by the Beach Boys, they refer to it as having a big slip Daddy. What is a big slip Daddy? It sounds cool, but I have no idea what it means.

Gee whiz, that song was released in October 1963. I hope this hasn’t been bothering you ever since because that would mean you’ve wasted the better part of 54 years worrying about it. That couldn’t have been healthy. In your defense, it seems that a number of people have been trying to decipher all the hot rod jargon in that song for quite a while. I found several sites devoted to the matter.

Almost all of them say the words are “pink slip, daddy.”

Before 1988, California’s certificate of title was pink. Racing for pink slips meant that the winner got to keep the other driver’s pink slip or ownership of the car.

However, at genius.com/The-beachboys-little-deuce-coupe-lyrics (click on the lyric in question), this explanation is offered:

“A ‘big slip daddy’ is street rod talk for the optional and prized Chevy/Corvette/Mopar limited slip differential rear end on the rear axle. A high performance option that meant a fast street rod capable of an even-tire burnout.”

So there you have it. Take your pick.

In preparation for the new Star Wars movie, I rewatched the oldies from decades ago. But now, there are six or seven different companies in the credits before you learn the name of the film. Such and such brings you a film by so and so with, etc. What are all these companies?

Putting together a major motion picture these days is a pretty complicated endeavor and it is rare for one outfit to do everything.

All those companies were involved in one way or another in one aspect or another of getting the movie put together.

Have a question for Clay? Reach him at 602-444-8612 or send an email to clay.thompson@arizonarepublic.com