As p***ed as a newt

[Kelvin]

Why a newt?

[Quizmonster]

One theory is that it was an American saying "as p*****as an Inuit"...ie Eskimo, as they are genetically more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than most races. Another view is that, in the 18th century, gentlemen often left their horses in the care of lads, nicknamed 'newts', outside hostelries. They'd send out drinks as the evening wore on with the result that the 'carers' were often the worse for wear by the end of the day. A third possibility is that it is a corruption of a Cornish phrase: 'os pyst os yn neweth' which means 'you're daft, you're in (second) childhood'. In other words, it has nothing to do with newts at all! Take your pick.

[Quizmonster]

Surely, Tartan, it can't be as simple as just a reference to a liquid-dwelling creature. Otherwise "as p'd as a porpoise" would be better, with the three letters 'p' at least adding a bit of alliteration. But even in the absence of such 'poetry', it might as well have been a narwhal, a manatee, an alligator or any other such beast, mightn't it? So we do still need to know why 'a newt'. Cheers

[Kelvin]

Another thing, Tartie, a newt only spends the breeding season in water, most of the year is spent hiding in damp places or hibernating....mmmmmm maybe an analogy there after all!!

[Quizmonster]

Cheers, T. Start spreading it at your planned Glasgow "Porpoise-Night". If it ever comes back to my ears by another route, I'll know I've created an English idiom. Will anyone ever believe me, though?