Phrase and Fable

We really enjoyed our trip to Brno last weekend, particularly the Burčak walk from Mutěnice. The weather, walk, company and Burčak were excellent. We had some adventures on the trains getting there and back, of which I hope to write more when I get some time.

On Sunday, as we were strolling through Brno and talking, the topic turned to English words or phrases which sound odd to the language student.

Jay mentioned that one student was puzzled by the term "drinking a toast" and asked if this was the same word as the toast which we had for breakfast. He explained that it was.

I mentioned that he could have gone on to explain the origin of the phrase, when people used to put pieces of spiced toast into the wine-cup.

Later we were all discussing the fact that on Saturday's walk we saw a lot of people were carrying branches of various kinds (including marijuana allegedly). I asked of this was a tradition, but none of our Czech friends was sure. I also wondered if it was related to the fact that in ancient times a bush hanging above the doorway indicated wine on sale. "Hence the phrase 'A Good Wine Needs no Bush'", I said. Sue in particular was convinced that I was making this up. I referred her to Brewer's dictionary of Phrase and Fable, of which there is an online edition here.

To support my case that I remember, rather than invent, these things, here is Dr Brewer's take on Good Wine needs no Bush.

Good Wine needs no Bush

It was customary to hang out ivy, boughs of trees, flowers, etc., at public houses to notify to travellers that “good cheer” might be had within.

“Some ale-houses
upon the road I saw,
And some with bushes showing they wine did
draw.”

Poor Robin’s Perambulations (1678).

So if you are ever looking for the origin of a word or phrase, try looking in Brewer. For completeness, below is the good doctor's entry on drinking a toast.

To next year's Burčak trip!

Toast

A name given, to which guests are invited to drink in compliment. The name at one time was that of a lady. The word is taken from the toast which used at one time to be put into the tankard, and which still floats in the loving-cup, and also the cups called copus, bishop, and cardinal, at the Universities. Hence the lady named was the toast or savour of the wine—that which gave the draught piquancy and merit.

The story goes that a certain beau, in the reign of Charles II., being at Bath, pledged a noted beauty in a glass of water taken from her bath; whereupon another roysterer cried out he would have nothing to do with the liquor, but would have the toast—i.e. the lady herself. (Rambler, No. 24.)

“Let the toast pass, drink to the lass.”—Sheridan: School for Scandal.

“Say, why are beauties praised and honoured most,The wise man’s passion and the
vain man’s toast.” Pope: Rape of the Lock, canto i.