Something for the weekend sir?


What's the meaning of the phrase 'Something for the weekend sir?'?

A coy query asking if a customer wanted to buy a condom.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Something for the weekend sir?'?

This expression is supposed to be a euphemistic code used by British barbers, to avoid asking directly if a man wanted to buy condoms. The expression was widely used in the UK in the second half of the 20th century, although how often it was actually used by barbers, or if it did actually originate in barber’s shops, is unknown. It is first cited in the Wonderful World of Sounds in Monty Python’s Previous Record, 1972:

“A herd of zebras visiting the same chemist to ask for something for the weekend.”

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Something for the weekend sir?

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