Mutt and Jeff
/ˈmʌt ən(d) ˈdʒɛf/(also Mutton jeff) slang
noun
1A pair of people having widely divergent characteristics, especially dramatically different heights; a pair of stupid, comically ill-matched men. Also in extended use.
2 US. A pair of police interrogators, one of whom adopts a threatening approach while the other is sympathetic and conciliatory; the style of questioning practised by such a pair. Frequently attributive Compare cop.
adjective
British Deaf.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in E. E. Cummings (1894–1962), poet and painter. From the names of two characters, Mutt (originally Mr. Mutt) and Jeff, one tall and the other short, appearing in a popular comic strip created by Harry Conway ‘Bud’ Fisher, U.S. cartoonist. In form Mutton jeff reflecting a colloquial pronunciation; compare mutton.