Elena Rossi
The phrase paint the town red is an interesting idiom with a few possible origins. One popular theory suggests that it originated from an incident in 1837, when the Marquis of Waterford, Henry Beresford, and his friends went on a drunken rampage in Melton Mowbray, England, painting buildings red. However, there are also suggestions that it could be linked to the Wild West, where intoxicated cowboys fired guns in the air, threatening to paint the town red with blood. Other sources relate it to the red-light district or flushed faces from drinking alcohol. While the exact origin remains unclear, the phrase alludes to unruly behavior resulting in bloodshed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 6 April 1837 |
| Location | Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England |
| Participants | Henry Beresford, the Marquis of Waterford, and friends |
| Events | Drinking, vandalism, theft, assault |
| First printed use | 1883 in New York |
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What You'll Learn
The Marquis of Waterford's drunken night in Melton Mowbray
On April 6, 1837, the Marquis of Waterford, Henry Beresford, and his friends quite literally painted the town of Melton Mowbray red. The group had been drinking heavily at Croxton races and upon arriving at the Thorpe End Tollgate, they refused to pay the toll. Instead, they grabbed brushes and pots of nearby red paint and attacked the tollkeeper, painting him from head to toe. They then nailed the door shut and painted that red too.
The mob marched into town, carrying the stolen equipment, knocking over flower pots, pulling on door knockers, and painting doors as they passed. They pulled down the sign at the Red Lion Inn and threw it into the canal. The Marquis, known as the 'Mad Marquis' and noted for his love of partying, was hoisted onto a friend's shoulders to paint the carved swan inn sign red at the Old Swan Inn. They vandalized the Leicestershire Banking Company and Post Office before attempting to overturn a caravan where a man was sleeping.
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The phrase's earliest use in print in 1883
The phrase "paint the town red" is believed to have originated from an incident in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England, in 1837. The incident involved Henry Beresford, the Marquis of Waterford, and his friends, who, after a day of drinking, caused havoc in the town by painting various objects and buildings red. However, the phrase's earliest use in print was not until fifty years later, in 1883, in New York.
The July 1883 edition of The New York Times includes the following sentence: "Mr. James Hennessy offered a resolution that the entire body proceed forthwith to Newark and get drunk... Then the Democrats charged upon the street cars, and being wafted into Newark proceeded, to use their own metaphor, to 'paint the town red'". This is the first documented use of the phrase in print.
The phrase "paint the town red" alludes to unruly behaviour resulting in bloodshed, and its origin has been attributed to several sources. While the Melton Mowbray incident is a compelling story, it lacks credibility as the phrase was not used in reference to the incident until fifty years later. Other sources suggest that the phrase may have originated in the Wild West, with stories of intoxicated cowboys firing their guns into the air and threatening to "paint the town red" with blood.
The phrase has endured and is commonly used to refer to having a wild and enjoyable time, often during a night out or a party. The expression has evolved to take on a more lighthearted connotation, often used in a less serious manner to describe a fun evening out.
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Dante's epic poem, *The Inferno*
I searched "what does it mean to paint the town red" and found that the phrase refers to rowdy or raucous behaviour, often involving drinking and partying. While the exact origin of the phrase is unclear, it is believed to have originated in the 19th century, and was possibly first used in a newspaper article describing a drunken night out in London. Now, I will generate 4-6 paragraphs relating this phrase to Dante's Inferno:
Dante's Inferno, the first part of his epic poem *The Divine Comedy*, presents a vivid and terrifying depiction of Hell. As Dante journeys through the nine circles of Hell, he encounters souls being punished for their earthly sins, each circle reserved for a specific sin. One could imagine that, for those souls condemned to Hell for their indulgent and hedonistic ways, their earthly lives were filled with "painting the town red".
The phrase "painting the town red" brings to mind a boisterous and carefree attitude, where one seeks pleasure and excitement without regard for consequences. This mindset aligns with the sins of gluttony, lust, and greed, which are all punished in Dante's Hell. Those who gave into their desires without restraint now suffer for eternity, their indulgent behaviour forever etched in their punishment.
The third circle of Hell, for example, is reserved for the gluttonous. Here, Dante encounters souls forced to lie in putrid, foul-smelling mud, tormented by cold, dirty rain. Their punishment reflects their earthly sins of excess and indulgence, where they "painted the town red" through lavish feasts and unrestrained consumption.
Similarly, the fifth circle of Hell is for the wrathful and sullen, those who gave into their anger and violent impulses. This circle depicts a violent and chaotic scene, where souls are submerged in a putrid swamp, fighting and attacking each other. Perhaps, in life, these souls "painted the town red" through drunken brawls and riotous behaviour, only to find themselves eternally trapped in a circle of endless violence and conflict.
Dante's Inferno serves as a warning against excessive behaviour and a reminder of the consequences that await those who do not temper their desires. While "painting the town red" may bring temporary pleasure, Dante's poem illustrates the eternal suffering that awaits those who do not find balance and moderation in their lives.
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Wild West cowboys firing guns in the air
The phrase "paint the town red" is believed to have originated from an incident in 1837, when the Marquis of Waterford, Henry Beresford, and his friends went on a drunken rampage in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. After a day of heavy drinking at the Croxton races, the group arrived at the Thorpe End Tollgate, where they encountered a toll keeper who attempted to stop them. In response, they barricaded the toll keeper in his house, stole his red paint, and proceeded to vandalize the town by splattering paint on doors and windows. This incident, known as the Marquis' Melton Mowbray mayhem, has been popularized as the origin story of the phrase. However, it is important to note that the phrase was not used in reference to this incident until 50 years later, and some believe it likely originated in the US.
Now, onto the Wild West cowboys firing guns in the air. The Wild West, also known as the American Old West, was a period in American history known for its lawlessness and gun violence. Cowboys were often associated with cattle-raiding rustlers and played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States. They were often armed with firearms, and gun control laws were rare in this era. Cowboys in the Wild West were known to hire out for contract killings or participate in range wars, earning "fighting wages." They were also involved in famous shootouts, such as the gunfight at the OK Corral, which lasted only 30 seconds but became a staple of the gunslinger legend.
One of the earliest mentions of the phrase "paint the town red" is associated with these Wild West cowboys. Intoxicated cowboys would fire their guns into the air, allegedly threatening to "paint the town red" with blood if anyone dared to stand against them. This phrase captures the violent nature of the Wild West and the cowboys who inhabited it.
Cowboys in the Wild West were often synonymous with cattle rustlers and outlaws. They took advantage of the wilderness to hide from society and frequently crossed the border into Mexico to steal cattle, which they then sold in the United States. Guns were an integral part of their lives, and they were known to be dangerous with firearms. Some cowboys, like Billy the Kid, became notorious bandits, while others, like Wyatt Earp, were lawmen who faced off against outlaws. The term gunslinger is often used to describe these individuals who were quick on the draw with a handgun.
The image of Wild West cowboys firing guns in the air captures the lawlessness and violence of that era. It evokes a sense of danger and the power that these cowboys held in their communities. Their reputation with firearms, combined with their involvement in contract killings and range wars, solidified their place in the popular imagination as symbols of the Wild West.
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Red-light districts and excessive drinking
Red-light districts are areas in urban regions with a high concentration of prostitution and sex-oriented businesses, such as strip clubs, sex shops, and adult theatres. These districts often coincide with spaces of male prostitution and gay venues. The term "red-light district" was first recorded in an 1894 article from the Sandusky Register, a newspaper in Sandusky, Ohio.
One of the most well-known red-light districts is Amsterdam's De Wallen, located in the city centre. Amsterdam has notoriously liberal laws regarding the sex trade, and prostitution is a legal profession in the Netherlands. The district is known for its red neon lights illuminating the canals and the friendly, safe atmosphere. However, residents have complained about the excessive noise, huge crowds, and drunken tourists.
Another famous red-light district is in Pattaya, Thailand, often referred to as the "Sin City" of Southeast Asia. Pattaya's red-light district is known for its vibrant nightlife, with rowdy nightclubs and bars. Travellers are advised to stay in groups, keep their valuables secure, and watch their drinks to prevent spiking.
Bangkok, Thailand, also has a notorious red-light district, with sex workers on almost every sidewalk and various sex shows. Travellers should be cautious when entering the go-go bars, as they often come with steep fees, aggressive management, and pushy demands.
Tokyo, Japan, is home to several red-light districts, including Asia's largest, Kabukicho, located in Shinjuku. This area is packed with bars, restaurants, karaoke lounges, and clubs, but it also has a seedy underbelly, with riot police patrolling the streets. Another red-light district in Tokyo is Shibuya, known for its youth culture and fashion. Certain areas of Shibuya, such as Maruyamacho, are less suitable for families due to the high concentration of "love hotels."
When visiting red-light districts, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the local laws and regulations, as certain activities that may be acceptable in some countries could be illegal or frowned upon in others. It is also important to trust your instincts and remove yourself from any uncomfortable situations.
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Frequently asked questions
To 'paint the town red' means to engage in wild or raucous behaviour, often implying drunkenness.
The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the US. One popular theory is that it comes from an incident in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England, in 1837, when the Marquis of Waterford and his friends went on a drunken rampage, painting buildings and objects red. However, the phrase wasn't used in reference to this incident until 50 years later, and the first printed record of the phrase was in a New York newspaper in 1883.
Yes, there are several other suggested origins of the phrase. One idea is that it comes from Dante's epic poem 'The Inferno', which includes the line "we are they who painted the world scarlet with sins." Another theory suggests that it is a reference to the red-light district or to the flushed faces of drunk people.
