Too big at which to shake a stick?

I’m new, but my roommate and I were talking the other day and wondered what was the first thing to ever be “too big to shake a stick at.” The question sounded like it was right up Straight Dope’s alley, but I can’t find the answer anywhere. Does anyone have any idea where this came from??

Hi and welcome.

My wag: Think dogs, there are some you might try to shoo away and some that are just to big to “shake a stick at”. :shrugs: