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The Obsolete-Antiquated English Language Thread

I once used the term "Tight as a tick" to describe a person who was intoxicated.
I was met with quizzical looks and I had to explain the meaning to those in my company.
One assumed I was referring to someone who was far from generous !
Nobody had ever heard this term before.
 
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When I was an engineer in the 1980's, where components were of an interference-fit, we used to describe the torque setting informally as "Tight as a gnats chuff". Probably not related to Willo's phrase , as it was nothing to do with money or drinking.
People who were heading for an intoxicated state through alcohol were described as being well-oiled.

Cars were relatively new to a lot of households when I was growing up. My parents could never afford a new car, so they always bought old Jalopy's
 
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A punch up the throat.
A cup of Cha/Rosy Lee.
Tallyman.
Doing the Bagwash.
Gordon Bennett! (claimed to be the man who sent Stanley to find Dr. Livingstone).
She couldn't stop a pig in a passage.
In the family way/up the duff/ got a bun in the oven.
Courting.
In queer street/Hearts of Oak.
Tanner/half a dollar/tosheroon.
 
Willo said:
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.
😛 😛
Click to expand...
Many are called but few are chosen.
Re your mention of Sweet Fanny Adams on another thread - as is quite well known she was an unfortunate young girl who was murdered in Victorian times and her name came into use as an acceptable form of Sweet F All.
 
Elevenses.
My grandparents were of a certain class that the day was punctuated with snack stops which barely concealed a sustained drinking habit.
Elevenses, much like afternoon tea, was a pot of tea, with perhaps some assorted biscuits/snacks of the era.
My grandparents used to take very large measures of whatever was in the decanter, during these breaks.
Elevenses, an excuse to start drinking, for those of a certain class.
 
Forest Hillbilly said:
Elevenses.
My grandparents were of a certain class that the day was punctuated with snack stops which barely concealed a sustained drinking habit.
Elevenses, much like afternoon tea, was a pot of tea, with perhaps some assorted biscuits/snacks of the era.
My grandparents used to take very large measures of whatever was in the decanter, during these breaks.
Elevenses, an excuse to start drinking, for those of a certain class.
Click to expand...
Coincided with the pub opening too.
 
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