very interesting history of terms.
i wonder if 'couple three' is like thinking out loud, like if asked 'how many are needed?', you say "a couple, maybe three".
my dad was a tinker, and i do much the same as he did. like keeping little scraps of uniquely shaped rubber, metal, plastic, etc., because you sense it will come in handy and usefully repurposed.
robert pirsig of _zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance_ is my favorite tinker, and likely many other tinkers here have had friends recommend his book.
"it's not a fixed motorcycle you are really seeking, but peace of mind."