"Shooting the breeze" and "Paint the town red"

Posted by ESC on August 27, 2004

In Reply to: The history? of "Shooting the breeze" and "Paint the town red" posted by Ray on August 27, 2004

: Can anyone tell us the history of these phrases - "Shooting the breeze" and "Paint the town red."

: Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

: Ray

Here's a theory on one:

PAINT THE TOWN RED - "This colorful term for a wild spree, especially one involving much drinking, probably originated on the frontier. In the nineteenth century the section of town where brothels and saloons were located was known as the 'red light district.' So a group of lusty cowhands out for a night 'on the town' might very well take it into their heads to make the whole town red." From Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins by William and Mary Morris (HarperCollins, New York, 1977, 1988).

• "Shooting the breeze" and "Paint the town red" James Briggs 28/August/04
  • "Shooting the breeze" Smokey Stover 29/August/04

See also - Origin of 'Paint the town red'.