hair of the dog
colloquial phrase

- an alcoholic drink taken to cure a hangover

Oxford Langauges

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PHRASE ORIGIN

The curious expression “hair of the dog” is a shortening of the phrase “a hair of the dog that bit you”.

The original reasoning was that a small amount of what made one ill might be used as a remedy — now actually proven by the modern practice of vaccination.

This expression first appeared in print in John Heywood’s ‘Proverbs of 1546’ — “I pray thee let me and my fellow have a haire of the dog that bit us last night” — and alludes to the even older folk remedy of treating a dog bite by placing the burnt hair of a dog on the wound.

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THE TWIN TALES OF THE BLOODY & VIRGIN MARY

The Bloody Mary's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it was likely invented in 1920s Paris by bartender Fernand "Pete" Petiot. He mixed vodka brought by nostalgic Russians with Americans' newfound love - canned tomato juice - and added spices for kick.

The name's origins are also debated — some stories suggest that the Bloody Mary was named after a server named Mary who worked at a saloon bar called ‘The Bucket Of Blood’ in Chicago. Others claim it was named after Queen Mary Tudor of England. Notwithstanding, the cocktail soon caught on in the U.S. as a hair-of-the-dog hangover cure.

It’s innocent sister, the “Virgin Bloody Mary”, deserves equal recognition! Made without vodka and still flavourful, a fine blend of tomato and spices.

VIRGIN BLOODY MARY Recipe:

- 120 ml tomato juice
- 1/2 lime
- 1/4 tsp horseradish
- 1 dash Tabasco
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 pinch celery salt

Enjoy!

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THANKS again to Ulrich for suggesting today’s phrase.

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

“How about I mix you a ‘Virgin Bloody Mary’? ... in my opinion it's somewhat superior to a HAIR OF THE DOG.”

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