How Many Know The Meaning Of A "Turn" ?

[dave50]

If someone in a pub were to say, " there's a turn on in here tonight ". My 30 year old daughter and her chap didn't have a clue, must be an age thing. Also is it a particularly northern phrase originating from working men's clubs?

[naomi24]

It's not specifically a northern term.  Londoners used to say that meaning an act on stage - but a 'funny turn' applied to suddenly becoming unwell rather than a good comedian.

[chelle7272]

I have no idea but would guess it means there is some entertainment on?

Might be a northern thing, I'm in south west.

[barry1010]

I'm in the West Mids and have always used 'a turn' in that sense.

Could be an age thing

[rockyracoon]

Fom London. He's doing a turn in here to night. Also, he's putting on a bit of performance here tonight.

[theshedman]

We have often heard the word used to mean an act on stage.  I am in Devon but have heard it said in Wales too.

[maggiebee]

Say it up in Scotland too.  

[douglas9401]

Maybe it fell out of use when the great Tommy Cooper united the meanings.

[davebro3]

Can also mean making a profit - "I made a turn on that deal".

[Karamia]

I remember the phrase 'star turn' for the headline entertainment act at a show.

[Buenchico]

The OED gives the definition of 'turn' (in the sense referred to by Dave50) as "Originally Theatre. A short performance, especially one of a number given by different performers in succession; an item in a variety entertainment; an act. Also: a person giving such a performance."

The first recorded use in that sense was in 'The Diary of Dudley Ryder, 1715–1716': "There was rope dancing and tumbling... There were now and then some good humorous turns came in that made us laugh with a just pleasure".  The writer definitely had absolutely nothing to do with northern working men's clubs!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dudley_Ryder_(judge)

[davebro3]

and work-wise "He never did a hand's turn in his life."

[netherfield]

One of the best 'turns' in our local club was 'The Black Abbots' place was packed out, Russ Abbot was the drummer at the  time, started doing a comedy skit while the others were setting up and tuning guitars. Went solo when the group broke up.

[Buenchico]

For Netherfield:

[dave50]

Thanks everyone 

[jourdain2]

I instantly knew what was meant.  Possibly a generational thing.

[Old_Geezer]

An article I read about Lisa Sparks suggested everybody had a turn.

[Maydup]

It's a generation thing I think. A Top Turn would be refered to as an A-lister or celebrity now. 

[Sam1960]

I instantly knew what was meant. And I agree with others, its a generation thing. 

Sadly I qualify

😢

[barry1010]

I think it's died out along with variety shows.  In glee clubs, the performers 'have a spot' rather than 'do a turn'.