burton
LowInformal, Historical (military slang), Archaic
Definition
Meaning
A phrase, typically in 'gone for a burton,' meaning to be killed, destroyed, ruined, or missing.
The phrase refers to complete loss, failure, or demise, originating from RAF slang meaning to die or be destroyed. It can also refer to the name of a famous ale brewery, a surname, and a place name.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in the idiom 'gone for a burton,' which is now dated and confined to historical contexts or humorous use. As a proper noun, it is common in British place and brand names (e.g., Burton upon Trent, Burton Ale).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The idiom 'gone for a burton' is almost exclusively British, originating from RAF slang in WWII. It is largely unknown in American English. As a surname or brand name, it is equally recognized.
Connotations
In British English, the idiom has a historical, slightly nostalgic, and sometimes humorous connotation. In all other contexts, it is a neutral proper noun.
Frequency
The idiom is very low frequency and archaic. The proper noun 'Burton' is medium frequency in the UK due to place names and the historic brewing industry.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] go for a burton (idiomatic, intransitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gone for a burton”
- “go for a burton”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used humorously: 'The old filing system has finally gone for a burton.'
Academic
Extremely rare, except in historical studies of slang.
Everyday
Used by older generations in the UK, primarily in a jocular or nostalgic way.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My favourite mug has gone for a burton.
- After the storm, our garden shed went for a burton.
- The company's ambitious expansion plans went for a burton after the economic crash.
- Many of the quaint customs of my youth seem to have gone for a burton in this modern age.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WWII pilot saying, "I'm going to the pub for a pint of Burton..." and then not returning (gone for a burton).
Conceptual Metaphor
FAILURE IS DESTRUCTION / DISAPPEARANCE IS A JOURNEY (TO BURTON)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the Russian name 'Бёртон' (a transliteration).
- Do not translate the idiom literally; it is a fixed expression meaning 'погибнуть', 'сломаться', 'исчезнуть'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'burton' as a countable noun (e.g., 'I have a burton').
- Using the idiom in a formal context.
- Assuming Americans will understand the idiom.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'gone for a burton' primarily mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not as a common noun. The idiom 'gone for a burton' is dated. 'Burton' is common as a surname, place name, and historical brand.
It originated as Royal Air Force (RAF) slang during World War II, likely meaning a pilot had 'gone' (died) and was now just an empty space at the bar, metaphorically 'gone for a Burton Ale'.
No. While 'Burton' is historically associated with a famous brewing town, the word itself does not mean beer. The idiom is fixed and does not refer to the drink.
Use it informally and humorously to describe something that is broken, lost, or has failed completely. For example: 'The washing machine's gone for a burton.'