Where does the phrase 'to paint the town red' come from?

Where does the phrase 'to paint the town red' come from?

The Origin

While many people assume the phrase is purely metaphorical, its origins are rooted in literal vandalism and a night of wild partying. Etymologists and historians generally trace the popularization of the idiom back to the 1830s in Great Britain.

The most widely accepted origin story involves Henry Beresford, the 3rd Marquess of Waterford, in 1837. Known for his reckless behavior and penchant for practical jokes (which many believe inspired the term Hooligan), Lord Waterford and a group of friends went on a notorious bender in the quiet rural town of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, England.

After a night of heavy drinking, the group decided to cap off their evening by causing chaos. They famously used pots of red paint to coat the toll-gate, the doors of local houses, the swan statue, and several other buildings throughout the town. The phrase "paint the town red" quickly emerged to describe such destructive, high-energy sprees.

Spread to America

While the phrase started in England, it was rapidly adopted and popularized in the United States during the American frontier era. Western newspapers and novels picked up the idiom in the latter half of the 19th century, applying it to cowboys, miners, and city dwellers who went out for a night of drinking, gambling, and raising a ruckus in local saloons.

Modern Usage

Today, the phrase has entirely shed its literal and destructive connotations. When someone says they are going to "paint the town red," it simply means they are heading out for an enjoyable, lively night of celebration, entertainment, or partying in a city.