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Britism translation
Lance Charnes:
I heard this one on an Inspector Lynley mystery, but haven't been able to find it in any of my normal sources: A posh character depreciatively referred to his (large number of) possessions as "we've got them on the tick."
I'm assuming this means something like "borrowed" or "bought on time payments" or something along those lines. I'm just trying to confirm this -- I may want one of my British characters to be able to use this sometime.
Anyone know anything about htis?
Bob Mueller:
From what I read here, it sounds like you're right.
--- Quote ---The name came from a grocery shop on the same site and had a sign above the door showing a painted hand holding a quill (pen). This depicted that the goods could be bought "on the tick" to be paid later. The sign implied the keeping of a record of the transaction.
--- End quote ---
AndyA:
Hi, just to put the Scotland/UK now NZ spin on this, the general term is 'on tick' and usually refers to paying later or hire purchase, i.e. not paying for the good outright. Buying things from a catalogue, clothes etc, can be referred to as 'on tick'. Another use is 'on the slate' usually drinks in a bar but can also mean on tick. I have to admit to not hearing the 'the' used in the term 'on the tick', I think it's called 'on tick'.
Clear as mud.. (Unfortunately any google takes you into the world of fleas...)
Regards,
Andy
Michele Viney:
Hi All
You can check out all sorts of weird and wonderful words on www.askoxford.com which is basically every Oxford English Dictionary (yes there are more than one!) on the net.
Here is what it said for 'on tick'
tick3
• noun (in phrase on tick) on credit.
— ORIGIN apparently short for TICKET in the phrase on the ticket, referring to a promise to pay.
Have fun looking up other words
Michele
Lance Charnes:
Thanks for the quick help!
I knew about "on the drip" and "on the never-never," but not this one.
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