What Does ‘Painting the Town Red’ Mean in English Slang?

“To paint the town red” is a common slang expression in the English language, often used to describe a night out where one engages in some wild and excessive festivities. But, like many idiomatic expressions, its meaning has evolved over time, and its romantic connotations have softened over the years.

Origins and Etymology

The phrase "painting the town red" has its roots in a story that occurred in the early 19th century in a small town called Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, England. According to the story, a group of young men celebrated their victory in a hunting competition by indulging in heavy drinking, dancing, and a general revelry that left the streets of the town looking like they had been painted with red paint.

Despite the origins linking the phrase to excessive drinking and social disorder, the phrase's meaning has softened over time. Today, it is commonly used to describe any night out where one is having a wild and frolicsome time. It often includes drinking, dancing, and some level of mayhem, but it no longer carries the same negative connotations as it might have in its earlier iterations.

Alternative Phrases and Synonyms

The full phrase "painting the town red" is sometimes accompanied by "out on the town." Both phrases essentially mean the same thing: going out and enjoying oneself to the fullest. Other synonyms or variations of these phrases include:

"Having a good time"
"Partying wildly"
"Carousing"
"Reveling with friends"
"Going out to be rowdy"
"On a wild night out"

Related Idioms and Expressions

While "painting the town red" is a unique phrase, there are several other idiomatic expressions in English that describe similar social behaviors:

To get drunk as a lord: This expression is used to describe someone who has consumed so much alcohol that they are significantly inebriated. To go on a bender: This term is often used to describe a binge drinking session, often lasting several days. To pull an all-nighter: This means staying awake for a long period, often to study, work, or simply stay out late. To spend a fiver on a laugh: This expression is used to describe spending a small amount of money on entertainment or having a laugh.

Conclusion

“Painting the town red” and its synonym “out on the town” are common phrases in the English language used to describe an eventful and wild night out. These phrases have a long and storied history, but their meanings have softened over time. Whether you're going out to have a wild night or just doing some rowdy drinking, you'll know exactly what the phrase means.

References

[1] Painting the Town Red

[2] Paint the Town Red