Featured Pan American Exposition token 1901

someone had a good sense of humour ............!

 

What is "dark brown taste?"

 

The vintage slang phrase "a dark brown taste" (often referred to as having a "dark brown taste in one's mouth") originated in the late 19th to early 20th century to describe the stale, sour, and unpleasant taste in the mouth after a night of heavy drinking, smoking, or debauchery. [1]
Over time, it evolved from a literal physical symptom into a widespread metaphorical idiom.

Origin and Evolution

• The Literal Hangover (Late 1800s): The phrase originally captured the physical reality of a hangover. Before modern dental awareness, waking up after consuming heavy amounts of alcohol and tobacco left a thick, acidic, and distinctly foul coating on the tongue—synonymous with the color "dark brown".
• The Metaphor for Regret (Early 1900s): By the turn of the century, the phrase shifted into a psychological metaphor. To have a "dark brown taste in your mouth" meant experiencing a deep sense of moral regret, disillusionment, or emotional exhaustion the morning after a reckless decision.