[Ads-l] Update: Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes

[ADSGarson O'Toole]

Way back in 2017 Fred Shapiro inquired about the saying in the subject
line. Fred pointed out that Oscar Wilde had received credit for the
expression in the 1916 biography "Oscar Wilde: His Life and
Confessions" by Frank Harris. Several people participated in the
thread on the ADS and Wombats mailing list. I posted a 1902 citation
which was the earliest known (until now).

https://listserv.linguistlist.org/pipermail/ads-l/2016-November/145358.html

Here are two new citations:

[ref] 1875 August 20, The Cambrian News, Facts and Fancies, Quote Page
7, Column 2, Cardiganshire, Wales. (British Newspaper Archive) [/ref]
[Begin excerpt]
MORAL SAYING REVERSED.--Work is the curse of the drinking classes.
[End excerpt]

[ref] 1899 February 5, The Referee, Dramatic & Musical Gossip, Quote
Page 2, Column 4, London, England. (British Newspaper Archive) [/ref]
[Begin excerpt]
"Work is the curse of the drinking classes," remarked a weary Pressman
who was "assisting" in the consumption of champagne at the private
inspection of the new Bedford Music Hall on Wednesday.
[End excerpt]

Oscar Wilde's plays and stories appeared primarily in the 1880s and
1890s. He died in 1900, and he received credit for the remark
posthumously in a 1916 biography. According to the biographer the line
was spoken by Wilde at a party circa 1893. Thus, the support for
crediting Wilde is weak. He probably did not create this saying.

The QI article has been updated and changes should be visible soon.

Quote Origin: Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2017/01/12/drinking/

Feedback welcome
Garson O'Toole

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