Abbott And Costello - Hands In Mouth Just A Joke?

[Theory5]

I was watching a few different abbott and constello movies, and one of the things they keep saying to Lou is "Take your hands out of your mouth, do you want to poison yourself?"

 

Is this just a joke, or does it have an actual meaning? I mean, I know if you don't wash your hands and you put them in your mouth you can catch something, but poison? Was that what people thought back in the 40's-50's?

[CraigD]

There’s a good dose of truth to this bit.

 

A true poison – a direct toxin – would likely poison you as effectively if you had a large enough dose of it on your hand as if you transferred it from your hand to your mouth.

 

On the other hand ;), our hands get many things that, while not true toxins, can make us sick on them, so it’s a good idea to learn the habit of not touching our faces with them or putting them in our mouths, and to wash them often and before touching other people, food or eating/drinking utensils.

[Deepwater6]

I am fanatical about keeping my hands clean. It's not because I'm a germaphobe I just can't stand to get sick. I hate having even a common cold. I think most people get a cold or worse by touching something a Gas pump, mini-mart coffee pots, door handles at work, and then rub their eyes exposing them to the virus.

 

I haven't been sick in 4yrs. it could be because I keep my hands sanitized constantly or I'v been lucky lately. I have no scientific results I just know I haven't been sick since I started focusing on it.

 

I think a lot of people don't take into account everything they touch during the day. I also think most people may have something on their hands, but don't consider it poison. Myself, I never knew or gave much thought to this until I read a news article about how dangerous windshield washing fluid is. I knew anti-freeze was bad, but never considered the washing fluid. I always assumed that it was just water with a mild soap mixed in, but according to article this fluid is one of the worst things you could have on your hands. Lucky for me I burned up most of my brain cells partying in my younger years, so I was no worse for wear afterward.

[granpa]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMnir7J2OHs

[Eclogite]

I am fanatical about keeping my hands clean. It's not because I'm a germaphobe I just can't stand to get sick.

sarcasm/

Excellent plan. Don't give your immune system even the smallest chance to practice on minor germs. I mean there is no way a really dangerous one could get to you, is there? /sarcasm

[Deepwater6]

With all the hand sanitizers, antibiotics, food additives, etc, etc, etc, I doubt our immune systems have a chance in the coming years anyway. Should I help my immune system out by touching as many public places as possible and then put my hands in my mouth?