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This question is Not Answered
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Recluse
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433263
Mon, 22 Oct 07 05:28 AM
I don't understand what does a "mule driver" mean. I jot this phrase down from The Red Badge Of Courage. Could any one help me with its meaning and usage? Your reply is appreciated.
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Wed, Aug 15 2007
Los Angeles, California
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Clive
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433266
Mon, 22 Oct 07 05:52 AM
Hi,
A mule is an animal for which the parents are a horse and a donkey.
I imagine 'a mule driver' is someone who drives a wagon that is pulled by one or more mules. I think the idiomatic term is 'a mule skinner'.
Best wishes, Clive
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Canada
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El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo
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Anonymous,
1 yr 356 days ago
The phrase could also be used to describe a person who makes you work very hard - like a mule!
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Clive
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449017
Mon, 03 Dec 07 01:29 AM
Hi,
The phrase could also be used to describe a person who makes you work very hard - like a mule!
I've never heard the expression used that way. Perhaps you are thinking of this common expression.
My boss is a slave driver.
Best wishes, Clive
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Bmxbandit
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449043
Mon, 03 Dec 07 02:54 AM
the person mentions hearing it in "the red bad of courage"
I imagine that is a period based film.
I think it might be quit likely they used the term "mule driver" in the same way as "slave driver" in a certain period setting.
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Fri, Aug 31 2007
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Annvan
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449089
Mon, 03 Dec 07 07:12 AM
I don't know if "mule driver" is used here as an idiom. Instead I think it's probably used in the literal sense, i.e. a worker who drives mules.
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The Philippines
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Anonymous,
1 yr 211 days ago
A 'period based film'? Understand, before television there were things called Books. This book was set duing the American civil war. I remember the line, the Commander I believe, speaking of henry's batallion: "The best of any, fight like a pack of mule drivers" He goes on to label them 'mud diggers'. Indeed, a mule driver is one who drives a mule powered cart, however this term is also assigned to a labourer, or physical worker. Similarly, Mud Digger refers to one who digs ditches. Good fighting stock, no doubt, but the text presents the term in a derogative tone, and certainly the listening batallion members apprecited this.
Possibly, both terms could be utilized to describe an uncouth, uneducated worker. This is speculative, as mule driver might now be considered as archaic.
Anonymous,
1 yr 124 days ago
A "mule" in a plant environment refers to an electric pallet jack, which a species of fork truck noted for its agility and capability to operate efficiently in confined spaces. There are two types, one of which the operator walks behind, andthe other is mounted and driven.
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Feebs11
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544737
Tue, 22 Jul 08 01:19 AM
 Anonymous“ A "mule" in a plant environment refers to an electric pallet jack, which a species of fork truck noted for its agility and capability to operate efficiently in confined spaces. There are two types, one of which the operator walks behind, andthe other is mounted and driven. ”
Unlikely to be this in "The Red Badge of Courage" which is set in the American Civil War and is about the battlefields.
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