On the lash?

[cherrybomb]

I heard "On the lash" meaning to go out drinking
(I think) on tv a short while ago for the first time ever and now everyone seems to be saying it, Martin Fowler said it on Eastenders tonight . Is it a new word on the street or an old word that I just haven't heard before?

[andy-hughes]

The phrase comes from an old naval expression - a serious hangover felt the same as a flogging (a common naval punishment) so some sailors referred to their hangover as 'being lashed' which eveolved to 'going out on the lash' - a heavy drinking session.

[Quizmonster]

I don't doubt Andy's source, but I think there may possibly also be a connection with the word 'lashings' meaning 'loads of...' When you go 'on the lash', the aim is to have lots of alcohol.

[sophie_1003]

Its not particuarly new in its usage on a day to day basis, maybe you just missed it, I suppose it depends what area you're from as to how quickly new words get to you, maybe slang words you think of as everyday have yet to reach other areas?

[jno]

a lashing is the standard liquid measure for ginger beer in the Blytonic scale, isn't it Quizmonster?

[Quizmonster]

Nice one, J! I haven't actually heard the word used for about half a century!

[andy-hughes]

Nice one indeed jno - there will now be some light music while andy-hughes, Quizmonster, and the other venebrable gentlefolk of the AB wheel their squeaky bathchairs into the fading sunset muttering to each other about the good old days .....