burton

Everyday

1. (UK slang, «go for a burton») To be lost, broken, ruined or killed: «My holiday plans have gone for a burton.» tree →
2. (a name) Burton is an English surname and a place name, such as the town of Burton upon Trent, famous for brewing beer. tree →

In the lessons

The phrase «gone for a burton» was RAF slang in the Second World War for a pilot who was killed, and now means jokingly that something is ruined or gone. Mostly heard in the UK, often from older people. As a name it gets a capital letter.

Examples

• Our picnic went for a burton when the rain came. tree →
• «My new phone has gone for a burton,» said Mum after dropping it in the bath. tree →
• Grandad says his knees have gone for a burton. tree →
• The pilots said a lost friend had «gone for a burton». tree →
• Burton upon Trent is a town in the Midlands. tree →
• Mr Burton is our new teacher. tree →

Note

Only the phrase «go/gone for a burton» is common English slang; «a burton» on its own is not used. Written with a capital B as a name (Burton). Nobody knows for sure where the phrase came from; the old story that it means a pint of Burton beer is not proven.