To think the expression 'like taking coals to Newcastle' isn't made up or posh

[cocoachannel]

DH and I were preparing to travel to my parents' house for Easter today, when DH suggested taking a bottle of wine for my Dad. I said we should get something else as it would 'be like taking coals to Newcastle'. (DPs have an impressive wine collection).

DH maintains that I have either made up the expression (despite showing him google results ), or it is something I know because 'I am posh' (which is a whole other debate in itself...).

Anyway, MN, please help me prove DH wrong

Not made up or posh.

I'm a Geordie and my grandad said it lots.

Of course the OP is right! Am just amazed that so many people here don't know the expression. It's very widely used. Also, if your DP has come out with something like "you only know it because you're posh" he's clearly got a massive chip on his shoulder.

Widely used and not posh. Your DH is a twit, in the nicest possible way :)

YANBU... he sounds 'as thick as two short planks'....

Any explanation would be 'pearls before swine'...

definitely not made up.
Can't help you with whether or not you only know it cause you're posh as I'm posh too so it may be the reason I know it, but I'm pretty sure I heard it first from a gruff northern type on tv.

Completely normal expression, been around for decades.

I'm not particularly posh.

I'm also surprised that so many people have never heard of it.
I'm not posh though I am old.

Well-known expression. I know it and use it. I am a young southern chav commoner, though, if that's relevant.

I think you should leave the bastard!