In the late nineteenth century goldbrick referred to a piece of cheaper metal that con men painted to look like gold. Eventually this term referred to all manner of swindles. By 1918 goldbrick was applied first to unqualified military officers, then to any soldier who didn’t do his job. In time this noun became a verb: to goldbrick, or goof off.
Reposted with permission: RalphKeyes.com
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