To part brass rags: A lower-deck expression meaning to server friendship; to quarrel. Bluejacket chums always share the cleaning rags etc., which they use in polishing up brightwork on board ship. To "part brass rag" thus means to cease being on intimate terms, to become unfriendly. (See Raggie). [1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.35.
Glossary of words and phrases
The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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