A night on the tiles.

Posted by Louise on May 05, 2000

In Reply to: A night on the tiles. posted by Gary on May 05, 2000

: :
: : I saw a young lady walking home on this nippy May morning. She was only wearing a flimsy evening dress and looked really rough having obviously spent a night on the tiles! But where does the phrase come from? I'd appreciate your help.

: According to the OED:

: on the tiles:
: [after the nocturnal activities of cats] on a spree, on a debauch.

: -------------

: It doesn't seem to be a very old phrase. I can't find a reference of its use earlier than 1906 anyway.
: (steady on Gary old bean - that's the kind of comment that usually precedes evidence of Shakespeare having learnt it from his granny or somesuch)

: Gary

Blimey that was quick!! Thanks very much, very interesting. And obvious once you think about it!

• A night on the tiles. ESC 05/05/00
  • A night on the tiles. Louise 05/05/00
    • A night on the tiles. Gary 05/05/00