phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Shout for a round

Posted by ESC on January 28, 2001

In Reply to: It's my "shout" - origin ? posted by R. Berg on January 27, 2001

: : I'd like to find out the origin of the phrase "shout", when used to mean "turn to buy", especially in relation to buying alcohol - eg "It's my shout".

: My reference books don't say anything about this one. I'm just guessing, but could it be based on shouting to the bartender, "Four more beers over here, please," or whatever?

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cultural Etiquette" by Carol Turkington (Alpha Books, Indianapolis, Ind., 1999) says it's an Australian thing: "Remember, in an Australian pub, each person is responsible for buying a round of drinks. Never miss your turn to 'shout for a round' or you'll be branded as an Ugly American."

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.