Wompo or possibly, Wampo.

[ndofu]

Can any one tell me the origin of this term for alcohol ? ! I think it may be W.W. II military slang and was certainly used in the Kenya African Rifles during 40s and 50s. but would be glad of some help. Many thanks.

[Quizmonster]

Could your word possibly be a mishearing or variant of bombo or bumbo? I can see how the 'b' and 'p' might be confused, but not so sure of the 'w' and 'b'. Anyway, the former was an Australian World War II slang word for a drink, especially fortified cheap wine. The latter was a drink concocted from rum, water, sugar and nutmeg. It appears in Smollett's Roderick Random, published in the 1740s.

[ndofu]

Thanks, Quizmonster. Interesting. Certainly not mishearing it as I have seen it written down. One can see how the Australian slang could be a corruption of the older Smollet word. I found a reference to it as 'East London word' for ale. So I guess they all come from the same source. Will keep looking. Best wishes

[Quizmonster]

Good luck!

[jno]

there's a mention of it here, but no explanation unfortunately, from 1946

http://historyofalcoh.../the-demon-drink.html

[ndofu]

Thanks, jno. I found that reference and see it is spelt with an A - wampo - which was how I have always spelt it. I also found a reference in Tooters Guide to Beer... by Michael Weiner but he spells it wOmpo. All seem to be pointing in the same direction to the Smollet, Roderick Random, usage. The O and A are easily confused I think. The colonial use in the 40s and 50s , and still in Kenya to-day, seems to be for any alcohol - be it beer, rum, ale or what ever. Many thanks again.