Friday chit-chat          MINTY

I seem to recall the original ebay ad from a few years back where a speaker was described as being 'minty' and we've been using that term lovingly on and off since then. Does anyone remember exactly what ad that was or the thread?

 Good one. I started using Ebay in 1997 and I know it was used then. 

 I would think "minty" was a step down from "mint".

Interesting question, though.

My take on this is that "minty" is a huge distance away from "full mint quality", designed to make you think that $99.99 is a bargain compared to $100.00.

The "grey" area of communication covers a lot of territory and puts more money in your pocket.

JJK

I remember the thread. Point of "minty" is making a claim as to item's excellent condition while not making the fraudulent claim of "mint"

It would often be a red flagged description, IMO.

 haha - I just now realized I used the word minty in an ebay ad. I think my intention was to use the word as shorthand for "this item looks almost new." I am not even sure I know what "mint" would mean when applied to a guitar amplifier. I assume the reference is to coinage which is "minted" and if it is then sealed, it is in the same condition as when it left the "mint." If you had an item that had been unwrapped and plugged in, but never really used it, is that "mint?" Or just minty? I dunno.

Minty mint? I don't know either, but was thinking of coins from the treasury, wrapped/sealed. Maybe after opened, not mint. May require explanation like, Never been plugged up! In which case I might say,"Please plug it in", so as to not receive a DOA.

I remember that when I bought my lascalas folks on this forum were using that term in the thread that pointed to them. That was about 3 years ago. I'd have to search for it. Not sure if that ws the first though.

In terms of coins, "uncirculated" would be mint condition, but sealed.  Mint condition can still be circulated, but unblemished.

 Honestly, I thought it was a take off  from the Mouthwash............."Minty Fresh Breath"...................JMHO...........

Minty, is a sellers word ................. A Minty speaker, how does one know? Does one lick it to find out if it's Minty ?

I think it's probably intended to communicate "near mint" or "really nice".

"Minty" - who started it?

I think it was a guy named Wrigley...or maybe it was his son, Junior.

Motorcyclists have been using it since long before ebay... to describe vehicle condition. A minty bike vs. a crunchy one. :)