Elena Rossi
Let's paint the town red is a phrase that means to go out and enjoy oneself, usually in the context of drinking alcohol and partying. The phrase has an interesting history, with several theories about its origin. One popular story dates back to 1837 when the Marquis of Waterford and his friends, allegedly drunk, caused havoc in Melton Mowbray, England, by literally painting buildings red. However, the phrase wasn't recorded in print until 1883 in the United States, where it appeared in a New York Times article describing Democrats proceeding to 'paint the town red'. While the Melton Mowbray incident is a compelling origin story, there is no conclusive evidence, and the phrase's true origin remains a mystery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | England, 1837 |
| First printed use | New York, 1883 |
| Meaning | To go out and enjoy oneself by drinking alcohol, dancing, and laughing |
| To engage in a riotous spree | |
| To cause havoc and behave in an unruly manner |
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What You'll Learn
The Melton Mowbray incident
The town of Melton Mowbray is known for its culinary specialties, such as the Melton Mowbray pork pie and Stilton cheese, and is promoted as the "Rural Capital of Food." However, its claim to be the source of the phrase "paint the town red" is doubtful, as there is no printed record of the phrase until fifty years after the incident, with the first recorded use in New York in 1883.
While the Melton Mowbray incident itself was well-documented, there is no mention of the phrase "paint the town red" in any of the contemporary reports or depictions of the event. The earliest known use of the phrase was in a New York Times article from July 1883, where it was used to describe Democrats charging onto the streetcars and proceeding to "paint the town red." Other early references to the phrase also originate from America, rather than England.
Despite the lack of direct evidence linking the Melton Mowbray incident to the phrase "paint the town red," it is certainly a compelling story that has contributed to the phrase's popularity and usage. The event showcases the riotous and unruly behavior that the phrase alludes to, and whether or not it is the definitive source, it has undoubtedly left its mark on the English language and popular culture.
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Marquis of Waterford's drunken night
On April 6, 1837, the Marquis of Waterford, Henry Beresford, and his friends embarked on a drunken night of revelry that would go down in history. After a day of heavy drinking at the Croxton races, the rowdy crew made their way to the Thorpe End Tollgate in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Instead of paying the toll, the inebriated Marquis and his companions grabbed brushes and pots of red paint, setting the tone for the rest of their chaotic evening.
Their first victim was the hapless tollkeeper, whom they painted red from head to toe. Not content with just painting the tollkeeper, they proceeded to nail up the door and paint it red as well. Carrying their stolen painting equipment, they marched into town, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Flower pots were knocked over, door knockers were pulled, and doors were painted as they passed.
The mob's antics escalated as they made their way through the town. They pulled down the sign at the Red Lion, tossing it into the canal, and painted the carved swan inn sign at the Old Swan Inn. No establishment was safe from their drunken vandalism, as they targeted the Leicestershire Banking Company and the Post Office. Their antics even included an attempt to overturn a caravan where an unsuspecting man was sleeping.
The Marquis of Waterford, known for his love of partying, took centre stage in this drunken debauchery. He was hoisted onto a friend's shoulders to reach the inn sign, demonstrating the level of rowdiness and chaos that defined their night. The town of Melton Mowbray would never be the same, and the phrase "paint the town red" would forever be associated with the Marquis of Waterford's drunken exploits.
While the exact origin of the phrase remains debated, with the first printed record appearing in New York in 1883, the drunken antics of the Marquis of Waterford and his friends on that fateful night in 1837 have certainly left an indelible mark on popular culture. Their unruly behaviour and riotous spree continue to inspire the phrase "paint the town red," which has come to signify a wild and unrestrained night of partying and revelry.
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Origin of the phrase
The phrase "paint the town red" means to engage in a riotous spree or to go out and enjoy oneself by drinking alcohol, dancing, and laughing. The phrase's origin has several suggested sources, with one popular tale dating back to 1837.
On April 6, 1837, the Marquis of Waterford and his friends allegedly caused havoc in Melton Mowbray, England, after drinking heavily at the Croxton races. Upon reaching the Thorpe End Tollgate, instead of paying the toll, they grabbed brushes and pots of nearby red paint and attacked the tollkeeper. They painted him and the door red, marched into town carrying the stolen equipment, and vandalized various buildings by knocking over flower pots, pulling on door knockers, and painting doors as they passed. The Marquis, known for his hooliganism, was hoisted on a friend's shoulders to paint the carved swan inn sign red at the Old Swan Inn. They also vandalized the Leicestershire Banking Company and Post Office before attempting to overturn a caravan. This event was well-documented, and the earliest known use of the phrase in print is from 1883 in New York, fifty years after the incident.
Another possible origin of the phrase is suggested by a picture entitled "Quick work without a Contract, by tip-top Sawyers," which shows gentlemen in scarlet coats painting the sign of the White Swan red and the window of the Post Office. The rhyme accompanying the picture mentions "Coming it strong with a Spree and a spread, Milling the day-lights, or cracking the head; Go it ye cripples! Come tip us your mauleys, Up with the lanterns, and down with the Charleys." This may be a reference to rioting and unruly behavior.
While the Melton Mowbray incident is a compelling candidate for the origin of the phrase, it lacks sufficient proof, and the phrase may have originated from other sources such as the red-light district, excessive drinking, or flushed faces from alcohol. The exact origin remains unclear, and various theories exist without conclusive evidence.
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Red-light district and excessive drinking
The phrase "paint the town red" is believed to have originated from an incident in 1837, when the Marquis of Waterford and his friends went on a drunken rampage in Melton Mowbray, England, painting various objects and buildings red. The earliest printed record of the phrase, however, appeared in an 1883 New York Times article, where Democrats were quoted as saying they would "paint the town red."
One of the many theories about the origin of the phrase "paint the town red" is its association with red-light districts and excessive drinking. Red-light districts are areas in urban centres known for their concentration of sex-oriented businesses, such as strip clubs, brothels, and adult theatres, as well as prostitution. These districts gained their name from the red lanterns carried by prostitutes in the 17th century, which served to camouflage skin imperfections while signalling their availability.
Amsterdam's Red Light District, also known as De Wallen, is one of the most famous red-light districts in the world. It is densely packed with sex-oriented businesses, coffeeshops, and adult entertainment venues. While prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, it is important to note that public drunkenness and cannabis consumption on the streets of the Red Light District are not tolerated and can result in fines.
The Red Light District in Amsterdam is also home to several cultural sites, including the Oude Kerk, the city's oldest building, and the Onze Lieve Heer op Zolder, a museum in a former clandestine church. Visitors to the district are advised to be respectful to the residents and sex workers, maintain a low volume at night, and refrain from taking photos or videos of sex workers without their consent.
In summary, the phrase "paint the town red" has been associated with red-light districts and excessive drinking, with Amsterdam's Red Light District being a notable example of such an area. While the district offers adult entertainment and a lively atmosphere, it is important to be mindful of the local laws and regulations to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience.
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Going out and having fun
"Painting the town red" is a phrase that has been used to refer to going out and having fun. Its origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from an incident in 1837 involving the Marquis of Waterford and his friends, who, after a heavy drinking session, caused havoc in Melton Mowbray, England, painting buildings red. The phrase was first documented in print in 1883 in New York, where it was used to describe Democrats "getting drunk" and "proceeding to 'paint the town red'".
Over time, the phrase has taken on a more lighthearted connotation, often used to describe a night out on the town, with no wild or unruly behavior implied. For example, it could be used by a group of friends planning a ladies' night out at a classy bar, adding a playful and exciting twist to their evening plans.
While the exact origin of the phrase remains unclear, it is often associated with drinking and having a good time. Going out and painting the town red can involve exploring new bars or nightclubs, trying unique cocktails or drinks, and dancing the night away with friends. It could also include spontaneous decisions, like deciding to extend a night out by moving to a different venue or agreeing to a last-minute invitation to a fun event.
Painting the town red is about embracing the excitement and enjoyment of a night out. It could involve dressing up, taking part in fun activities like karaoke or games, and making new friends. It is about letting go of inhibitions and embracing the fun and freedom that a night in the town offers.
So, if you're planning to paint the town red, get ready to let loose, be spontaneous, and create some memorable moments with friends!
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Frequently asked questions
To "paint the town red" means to go out and enjoy oneself by drinking alcohol, dancing, and laughing. It alludes to engaging in a riotous spree or unruly behaviour resulting in bloodshed.
The phrase allegedly originated from an incident in 1837 when the Marquis of Waterford and his friends, after drinking heavily, caused havoc in Melton Mowbray, England, by painting buildings and objects red. However, the phrase was not printed until 1883 in a New York Times article, and other early references also relate to America.
In old movies, "let's paint the town red" was used to refer to going out for the evening, which was considered wild at the time. It was often used in a light-hearted and less serious manner.
