English
long drink of water
Long drink of water may come from Scots lang drink.
- Scotsc. 1450–presentlang drinkuncertain
- Englishearliest quotation 1915long drink of water
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Lineage
- Scotsc. 1450–presentlang drinkuncertain
- Englishearliest quotation 1915long drink of water
Earliest quotation: 1915, Photoplays, Vaudeville and outdoor amusements: “Other acts will include Klein, Abe and Nicholson, “the…”
The story
The term originated in the United States, and was presumably used in vaudeville performances. It was derived from earlier Scots lang drink.
Every English word from Scots lang drink
Today it means
noun A tall person.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / Scots lang drink / long drink of water