Ha ha! Good story.
I remember those days.
I wasn't so big as I was shredded all the time. My arms were truly 17" cold... and at 5'6" that is definitely above average, especially if you are ripped up pretty good.
when I see a big guy in a line somewhere, juiced or not, I can tell he has made the committment, I usually compliment them. They never take it the wrong way- I guess because I'm still pretty good sized so they know I'm not being a homo.
I might choose a body part... "nice traps" or "nice calves bud" ... they are always gracious. We worked hard for what we got. I don't really care how we did it, but we do what many choose not to, but want to.
Bragging publicly is a "no no" - I would be afraid to jinx it!