Gone for a Burton

Posted by Parick Lynch on April 09, 2005

Ii had understood that the phrase "gone for a Burton" a referred to the practice of laying out a dead body in an open casket (during a traditional wake). A man's body would be dressed up in his best suit, or one aquired. The firm Burtons being associated with cheap bespoke suits "going for a Burton" became slang for dying.

• Gone for a Burton James Briggs 09/April/05