According to Joseph Jefferson, It Was
First Used In the Old Melodrama,
“The Broken Sword.”
The reason why a hoary old joke should be a “chestnut,” instead of a
butternut or a hickory nut, may have puzzled some persons who have used
the word.
The late Joseph Jefferson gave the following account of the origin of
the term, and this explanation may be relied upon, for the famous actor
was an excellent authority on subjects on which he spoke and wrote:
In an old melodrama by William Dillon, called “The Broken Sword,” are
two parts—_Count Xavier_ and his servant _Pablo_. The Count is a sort
of Münchausen, fond of telling stories of his exploits. He tells one:
“Once I entered the forests of Colloway, when suddenly, from the
boughs of a cork-tree——’
“Chestnut, count,” interrupted Pablo.
“Cork-tree,” said the count.
“A chestnut,” reiterated Pablo. “I should know as well as you, for I
have heard you tell the story twenty-seven times.”
William Warren, who had played _Pablo_ often, was at a men’s dinner
once when a gentleman told a story whose age and originality were far
beyond any doubt.
“Chestnut,” murmured Warren. “I should know as well as you, for I have
heard you tell it twenty-seven times.”
The guests took up the expression, and from that I believe comes the
origin of the term.