"I got it done for a beer..."
Discussion
I came across this phrase in another thread - somebody referenced a paintwork repair that they "had done for a beer".
I've never heard the phrase before and was curious about it. Does it mean "for very little money?" or is it slang for something? I've got a vague memory of a trades friend telling me that "a drink" was an actual sum of money or something but it was ridiculously confusing and I can't remember exactly.
A beer for anyone who can explain!
I've never heard the phrase before and was curious about it. Does it mean "for very little money?" or is it slang for something? I've got a vague memory of a trades friend telling me that "a drink" was an actual sum of money or something but it was ridiculously confusing and I can't remember exactly.
A beer for anyone who can explain!
Probably just as you described, small sum of money changed hands for the job i.e. beer money.
I do that with trades if they've done a decent job, bung them an extra £10-£20 and say to have a beer on me. That way that might be keen to come back if I have another job needs doing. My Dad used to do it, maybe it's a south east / Essex thing?
I do that with trades if they've done a decent job, bung them an extra £10-£20 and say to have a beer on me. That way that might be keen to come back if I have another job needs doing. My Dad used to do it, maybe it's a south east / Essex thing?
Its akin to "doing it for a few beer tokens/for beer money/a couple of pints" and yes, generally means that either a nominal sum of money was given, or in some cases, actual beer was presented as the payment, either in tinned form or in pint form in a local drinking establishment.
I've given mates beer before instead of cash when they've come over and done me a favour, maybe they have a tool I don't have, or a skill I don't have. And I have had the same in return.
I've given mates beer before instead of cash when they've come over and done me a favour, maybe they have a tool I don't have, or a skill I don't have. And I have had the same in return.
About 8 years ago I had someone in a pub car park drive past me and their mirror scraped my rear wing.
Anyway I went to a bodyshop and he polished it out in 10 mins and there wasn't really a fixed price, so I gave him £20 as 'beer money' as he did a good job and did it there and then without booking an appointment etc.
Anyway I went to a bodyshop and he polished it out in 10 mins and there wasn't really a fixed price, so I gave him £20 as 'beer money' as he did a good job and did it there and then without booking an appointment etc.
Yep. Some things need very little explanation. I don't think it's a local tradition in any particular area so much as a general practice amongst blokes in recognition of minor jobs/favours.
I've given and received a case of beer or a couple of jars in the pub for things like helping a mate move house, clearing overgrown gardens, fettling bikes etc.
I've given and received a case of beer or a couple of jars in the pub for things like helping a mate move house, clearing overgrown gardens, fettling bikes etc.
Fair enough-seems as simple as it sounds then.
As I say, this guy I know made out like it was some sort of arcane currency system or something. Like 'a drink' meant £150 or something bizarre like that.
Of course you do a favour for a friend and get given a bottle of wine or bought a beer etc - I think that's pretty standard! I would never say "I'll do it for a beer" though - I'd do it as a favour and be pleasantly surprised if they felt like giving me a gift I think.
As I say, this guy I know made out like it was some sort of arcane currency system or something. Like 'a drink' meant £150 or something bizarre like that.
Of course you do a favour for a friend and get given a bottle of wine or bought a beer etc - I think that's pretty standard! I would never say "I'll do it for a beer" though - I'd do it as a favour and be pleasantly surprised if they felt like giving me a gift I think.
Shakermaker said:
I've given mates beer before instead of cash when they've come over and done me a favour, maybe they have a tool I don't have, or a skill I don't have. And I have had the same in return.
Money changing hands between friends is unseemly (IMHO) and beer is generally the currency of choice. The economy of reciprocating favours is obviously still strong, but there can be a gap - and as an immediate way of acknowledging the effort and favour with some form of consideration - a beer seems the best way
Between car guys "beer tokens" means you do me a solid and I will return the favour at some point. Usually things like lifting engines out of cars, stuff that needs 2 people ideally.
The other time its used round these parts is if you are looking for work and doing a quote for something and the person making the decision if you get the job asks if there is a drink in it for them. I.e will you give them a kick back for giving you the work. IME there is no set monetary value for that.
The other time its used round these parts is if you are looking for work and doing a quote for something and the person making the decision if you get the job asks if there is a drink in it for them. I.e will you give them a kick back for giving you the work. IME there is no set monetary value for that.
similar to others, I went to a local tyre fitter to try and get my locking wheel nuts off (the key nut was damaged as theyd been put on with a windy) and they did the job in a couple of mins for each wheel, on the understanding any damage was my problem, they wouldnt charge me anything so I popped around to Morrisons and bought a case of wifebeater for them to split between them (3 guys)
Disastrous said:
Like 'a drink' meant £150 or something bizarre like that.
Ah but it's not that simple though. For a start, you've got "a drink" and then you've got "a good drink". Reflecting that something rather more substantial needs to change hands. For example "Yeah, he'll polish that out quickly for you, just give him a drink" vs "Well if you want him to pick it up, polish out the scrtach, and drop it back, you'll have to give him a good drink".Then of course you have to weigh up how serious/valuable the favour is, and price accordingly. So a drink could be anything from a pony to a monkey
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff