Wet your whistle

Meaning

Have a quick drink.

Usage

Used as a light invitation for a beverage.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

'Whistle' was old slang for the mouth or throat; wetting it means having a drink.

Recorded as early as Chaucer in the 14th century.