Can someone please explain to me when the word "class" became an adjective? I ask because it's nearly impossible to absorb even a hour of TV/radio sports analysis without hearing someone describe someone else as a "class guy". When did this become acceptable grammar?

Follow-up questions:

1. In which sports are individuals most commonly described as "class guys"?

2. Have you ever heard said use of "class" outside of a sports-related context?

3. Who invented the "class guy"?

Did someone already post this? Apologies if so..

Thome smokes a Farnsworth heater

April 7, 2009 5:45 PM

Last year, Kyle Farnsworth gave up 15 home runs in 60 innings. In his career, Farnsworth has allowed a .441 slugging percentage to left-handed hitters.

Jim Thome is a left-handed hitter with 541 career home runs.

Over the past three seasons, Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field has been the most homer-prone ballpark in the American League, both generally and for left-handed hitters specifically.

With two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning and two White Sox on base, the Royals held a 2-1 lead. Thome was coming up. If there's a single pitcher in the majors who shouldn't be facing Thome in that situation, it just might be Farnsworth.

Yet, face him he did. Threw Thome a fastball down the middle, he did. Gave up a long, three-run, (eventually) game-losing home run, he also did.

And Royals manager Trey Hillman? He sat on his hands and watched it happen. That's what he did.

A friend of mine just sent me a story from the McSweeney's Internet Tendency site called, "How Me Breaking Up with You is Like Jon Lester Pitching a No-Hitter Against the Royals."

Here's an excerpt:

Yes, I know we were together two years. Did you know the Royals hadn't been no-hit for 35 years? Yes, I know how much you've committed to the relationship. Do you have any idea how much my collection of George Brett jerseys cost? Yes, it will be awkward for you to see me at work. You know what will be really awkward? The Royals finishing a four-game series against a team that just no-hit them. Can you step outside your own selfish world and imagine that for a second? Yes, I'm aware that things seemed better between us lately. That's what makes this so difficult. The Royals have been playing much better baseball lately, our pitching has been topnotch, and I had general faith in our young guys before the no-hitter. Then this. It's almost too much to take (the no-hitter).

(Source: http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2008/5/27price.html )

Too funny..