Frick

I’ve heard the names Frick and Frack all my life, but I don’t remember ever learning why we use those names to refer to pairs of insufferable idiots inseparable friends. Sadly, I found this out only on hearing of the recent death of Mr Frick.

Frick and Frack were the stage names of Werner Groebli and Hansruedi (Hans) R. Mauch, comedy ice skaters from Switzerland who were mst popular on the 1930s and ’40s. Mauch — Mr. Frack — died in 1979. Groebli — Mr. Frick — passed away just a couple weeks ago. His signature move involved leaning back at a seemingly impossible angle while skating in circles.