AboutCarol Pozefsky Expertise Etymology: The origins of English words and phrases.
Anchor/Reporter NBC and CBS Networks. News Director 3 Regional Radio Stations.
Question What's the origin of "out the ying yang"? I assume it's a reference to the asian symbol yin yang
Answer Hello, I hope you are having a fine week,
We find the following information on 'out the ying yang' on a Phrase Origins website on the net.
"Out the ying yang" means in abundance and there are several variations. You may find a good deal on an iPod or an MP3 player from someone who's got merchandise "up" or "out" either the "yin yang" or the "ying yang". The term is used also in cases where you're paying too much for something; "paying through the ying yang".
"Ying yang" might have been derived from the Asian symbols but we find no evidence of that.
Consensus is that 'out the ying yang' was a nonsense term invented from whole cloth.
The best to you always, CP
