Hair of the dog

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Hair of the dog

Hair of the dog (pronunciation: /hɛər ɒv ðə dɒg/) is a colloquial expression in the English language predominantly used to refer to alcohol that is consumed with the aim of lessening the effects of a hangover. The phrase originated from the misguided belief in the Middle Ages that a person bitten by a rabid dog could be cured by applying the same dog's hair to the wound.

Etymology

The full phrase is Hair of the dog that bit you, and it comes from an old belief that someone bitten by a rabid dog could be cured of rabies by taking a potion containing some of the dog's hair. The use of the phrase as a metaphor for a hangover treatment dates back to the time of William Shakespeare, when it was understood that drinking more alcohol could alleviate the symptoms of a hangover.

Usage

In modern usage, Hair of the dog refers to the consumption of alcohol to relieve hangover symptoms. This is based on the belief that a small amount of what has caused an ailment will also cure it. It is often used in the context of drinking more alcohol the morning after a night of heavy drinking.

Related Terms

  • Hangover: A condition characterized by various unpleasant physical effects following the heavy consumption of alcohol.
  • Alcohol: A colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks.
  • Etymology: The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history.
  • Rabies: A deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite.

See Also

External links

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