Horlicks

[Quicksilver]

Why is something that is a mess often referred to as a horlicks, as in: "he made a right horlicks of that"? What's a bedtime drink got to do with it?

[corganiser]

Horlicks is being used to replace another cruder word. Think slang name for part of male anatomy beginning with B and ending ks.

[greenfingers]

You've obviously led a very sheltered life Quicksilver!!

[Xollob]

While we're on the subject, have a look at Michael Quinion's excellent article Sapristi Nadgers.

[ck1]

or even 'four foot snakes' for another common phrase!

[jno]

Australians sometimes use norks for breasts, especially in lad-mag talk. The word seems to have been invented by journalists specifically to evade censorship and has no etymology whatever.

I give up, ck1, what are four foot snakes?

[Quizmonster]

According to Baker's �Australian Language', published in 1966, Jno, the word �nork' for �breast' comes from the company name, �Norco Co-operative', a butter manufacturer in New South Wales. (I trust no-one is going to ask what the connection between the two ideas is!)

[Octavius]

My gf is from Lincolnshire where the word 'norks' is used extensively.  Admittedly by teenage boys requesting that a young lady gets them out, but I shall endeavor to explain the historical note to her!

[jno]

Thanks Quizmonster and Octavius, looks like I was just misinformed.

[Xollob]

Quizmonster, I was just about to ask you about the connection between a butter manufacturer in New South Wales and a young lady's breasts, but did a quick google instead and chanced upon the following article.
It explains the connection and also offers an alternative etymology. Probably not one that would satisfy our mutual friend, Mr Quinion, but interesting nonetheless.

[Octavius]

Trust the Americans to claim it

[Octavius]

Actually, retract that, I thought they were IN New Orleans

[Quizmonster]

Nah, Xollob! I'm sticking with the butter manufacturer idea. At least it's logical rather than purely random. Lots of 'folk' etymology is nonsense  of course - just think of 'posh' - but I've always liked this particular effort.

[Xollob]

Quizmonster, given the choice between udders and an acronym, I think we'd go for the former every time!

[Quicksilver]

Thanks for all the answers. I guess I didn't see the rhyming slang connection as horlicks ends "icks" and not "ocks" as in the slang word for a part of the male anatomy.

As for living a shelterd life greenfingers, if only you knew............................................... ;-)

[Xollob]

Quicksilver, I don't see this as rhyming slang, more a euphemism such as "flaming heck", with "heck" replacing the once taboo "hell". Rhyming slang would be something like "oarsmen's rowlocks", or "what a pile of oarsmen's!".
I don't think this example will catch on, but if it does, you read it here first.

[Quicksilver]

Yup, I think your correct Xollob. BTW rowlocks is the word I, too, was thinnking of in connection with you know what. If it catches on you may have the credit!!

[ck1]

jno - four foot snakes, as opposed to "for fu*** sake"

[Xollob]

ck1 - thanks for that one. I was stuck in the trouser snake deparment - this makes a lot more sense!

[jno]

ah, right, thanks ck1, must try it out on some old ladies.