I tried to sell my stuff and one of the guys asked me if I could bargain on the item and I said no. He replied with the message,
At least Dick Turpin wore a mask.
What does that mean?
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Dick Turpin was a famous, British highwayman in the past. See this en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Turpin– TristanSep 30, 2013 at 15:45
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I do have to wonder, though, why you didn't just ask him right then and there.– RegDwigнtSep 30, 2013 at 18:26
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I did but he didn't reply.– MakkyOct 1, 2013 at 8:08
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3 Answers
Dick Turpin was a famous thief. What they mean by at least Dick Turpin wore a mask is that at least Dick Turpin attempted to conceal his identity when committing robbery/burglary.
The implication is that someone is trying to rob (or burgle) someone else flagrantly.
He's implying that like famous highwayman Dick Turpin (wikipedia) you are trying to rob him (rip him off, if you like).
He hopefully doesn't mean it too seriously though, but doesn't want to bargain.
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3Having worked in pubs in the UK for 20 years, I can assure you that every time the prices went up, at least one customer (thinking that they are witty) would say "at least Dick Turpin wore a mask", implying that the customers are being ripped off. Hence, I've upvoted this answer. Oct 1, 2013 at 9:58
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While it is obvious Turpin wore a mask to avoid being recognised, the buyer is suggesting a seller has a 'bare faced' cheek to ask a hefty price and is guilty of such blatant 'highway robbery' that Dick himself would be embarrassed to attempt it in person. It doesn't really work well in the written form.
