What is the origin of the phrase 'or bust'?

According to The Phrase Finder (www.phrases.org.uk), the term began in the 1930s when many dust bowl farmers left drought stricken Oklahoma for California with the phrase "California or bust" written on signs attached to their trucks. Due to the drought and the Great Depression, these farmers were literally financially bankrupt and using the last of their few dollars to make the trek west.

Improve Answer Discuss the question "What is the origin of the phrase 'or bust'?" Watch Question

First answer by Lynda Jean. Last edit by Lynda Jean. Contributor trust: 149 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 14 [recommend question]

Research your answer:

Answers.com > Wiki Answers > Categories > Literature and Language > English Language > Literary Devices and Figures of Speech > Idioms and Slang > What is the origin of the phrase 'or bust'?

Our contributors said this page should be displayed for the questions below. (Where do these come from)
If any of these are not a genuine rephrasing of the question, please help out and edit these alternates.
Bust a move?  Origin of or bust?  When condoms bust?  Whats it mean to bust?  What does or bust mean?  Origin california or bust?  What is the origin of or bust?  What is the origin of the phrase 'or bust?