Brandy-Faced, ppl, adj. (general).—Red-faced; bloated. [A reference to the effects upon the physiognomy of excessive indulgence in intoxicating drinks.] The expression is mentioned by Grose as early as 1785, but it is probably still older, for see quotation under brandy-face.
1859. G. A. Sala, Tw. Round Clock, 284. Hulking labourers and brandy-faced viragos, squabbling at tavern doors.
Brandy is Latin for Goose or For Fish, phr. (popular).—This punning vulgarism appears first in Swift's Polite Conversation, and Brewer thus states the philological equation.
What is the Latin for Goose? (Answer) Brandy. The pun is on the word answer. Anser is the Latin for goose, which brandy follows as surely and quickly as an answer follows a question.
1738. Swift, Polite Conversation (conv. ii.). Lord Sm. Well, but after all, Tom, can you tell me what's Latin for a goose? Nev. O my lord, I know that; Why, BRANDY IS LATIN FOR A GOOSE, and Tace is Latin for a candle.
1835. Marryat, Jacob Faithful, ch. xi. 'Art thou forward in thy learning? Canst thou tell me Latin for goose?' 'To be sure,' replied Tom, 'brandy.'
As regards the second form, namely, brandy is Latin for fish, the origin is more obscure, although it is to some extent explained in the following quotation.
1851. Mayhew, London Labour and London Poor, I., 125. We are told that the thirst and uneasy feeling at the stomach, frequently experienced after the use of the richer species of fish, have led to the employment of spirit to this kind of food. Hence, says Dr. Pereira, the vulgar proverb, brandy is Latin FOR FISH.
Brandy Pawnee, subs. (Anglo-Indian).—Brandy and water. [From brandy + Hindustan p[=a]n[=i], water. Cf., Parney, also a slang term for water.]
1816. Quiz, Grand Master, perf. And died at last with brandy pauny. [m.]
1855. Thackeray, Newcomes, ch. i. 'I'm sorry to see you, gentlemen, drinking brandy-pawnee,' says he; 'it plays the deuce with our youngest men in India.'
1860. W. H. Russell, My Diary in India, I., p. 120. They had tiffin at two; hot lunch and ale and brandy-pawnee.
Brandy Smash, subs. (popular).—An American drink concocted of brandy and crushed ice. Cf., Drinks.
1862. E. MacDermott, Popular Guide to International Exhibition, 1862, p. 185. In the vestibule of each refreshment room there is an American bar, where visitors may indulge in 'juleps,' 'cocktails,' 'cobblers,' 'rattlesnakes,' 'gum-ticklers,' 'eye-openers,' 'flashes-o'-lightning,' brandy-smashes, 'stone-fences,' and a variety of similar beverages.
1869. S. Clemens ('Mark Twain'), Innocents Abroad. We procured the services of a gentleman experienced in the nomenclature of the American bar . . . a bowing, aproned Frenchman stepped forward and said Que veulent les messieurs? Our general said (after naming several other drinks) give us a brandy smash; the Frenchman began to back away suspicious of the ominous vigour of the last order.
1883. Daily Telegraph, 2 July, p. 5, col. 3. [Brandy-smash is mentioned in a list of American drinks.]
1888. New York Evening Post, 24 Feb. Philological.—Gallic Tourist—'I do not see how any one ever learns the absurd English. I read on the menu of drinks, 'Sherree Cobblair,' I find in the dictionary—a mender of shoes of sherry wine; 'Santa Cruz Sour,' La Sainte Croix acide; brandy smash, 'Eau de vie écrasé.' Bête de langue!
Bran-Mash, subs. (military).—Bread sopped in coffee or tea. Cf., Floating batteries.
