What does paint the town red mean Meaning and Definition
What does paint the town red mean
Pronunciation
/ˈpeɪnt ðə ˈtaʊn rɛd/
Part of Speech
Idiomatic expression
Definition
A phrase originating in the 17th century, used to describe a situation where a large number of people attend an event or engage in revelry, typically with excessive drinking, and create a loud, boisterous atmosphere.
Examples
- The town was painted red with party decorations and music for the weekend festival.
- The football team’s victory sparked a night of celebrating, as the whole town was painted red with fans cheering in the streets.
Etymology
The phrase is believed to have originated in the 17th century, when red was a symbol of passion and energy. The phrase has its roots in the concept of “painting the town red” with blood, implying a sense of chaos and frenzy.
Usage Notes
The phrase is often used in a figurative sense, describing a lively and intense atmosphere. However, it can also be used literally to describe a town that has been extensively painted red for decorative purposes.
Cultural References
The phrase has been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. Notable examples include the 1932 film “Flesh and the Devil,” and the 1993 song “Painting the Town Red” by Bruce Springsteen.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Paint the town red
- Party like there’s no tomorrow
- Hold a wild rave
Related Words or Phrases
- Riot
- Revelry
- Intoxication
Collocations
- Paint the town red at night
- The whole town was painted red with party decorations
- Painting the town red was the town’s biggest annual event
Frequency of Use
The phrase is moderately common in modern English, particularly in informal contexts such as social media and entertainment reporting.
Common Misspellings
- Panted the town red
- Painted the town reed
- Pain the town red