Bottling.

[chinadog]

How did the saying "Lost his bottle" or bottled out" come about? Its used a lot on tele but im wondering if its an old saying.

[jno]

rhyming slang - bottle and glass - a*se. Lose your a*se suggests you're so scared you lose control of your bowels. Bottled out is a more recent version of the same idea.

[TCL-MUMPING]

I've also heard older Cockneys say it is a rhyme for class (in the sense of style or standing) and hence an indication of courage or bravery.

[Schutzengel]

The expression is also used in the sense of a small, petulant child, losing it's temper and throwing its bottle out of the pram.

[Quizmonster]

For a bit more on the history of the phrase, click here for the views of the well-known etymologist/lexicpographer, Michael Quinion.

[Quizmonster]

You may well ask what on earth a lexicpographer is!

[chinadog]

Thanks for your replies, Schutz,TCL and Quizmonster. At last,an explantion! I've been asking around but nobody knew. Thanks for the link Quiz,I laughed at the bit about Gordon Brown. Oh I know what a lexipographer is,I just googled it..lol Thanks again. china

[chinadog]

Sorry jno and you too.