Meaning:
A small measure of drink, intended to cure a hangover.
Background:
The fuller version of this phrase, that is, `the hair of the dog that bit
me', gives a clue to the source of the name of this supposed hangover cure.
That derivation is from the medieval belief that, when someone was bitten by
a rabid dog, a cure could be made by applying the same dog's hair to the
infected wound. How many people managed to get bitten again when trying to
approach the aforesaid dog to acquire the hair to achieve this completely
useless remedy isn't known. The knowledge of the derivation should at least
put paid to the frequent `hare of the dog' misspelling.
Whilst the hair of the dog that bit us is now dismissed as an effective
rabies treatment, the taking of additional alcohol to cure a hangover has
some scientific basis. The symptoms of hangover are partly induced by a
withdrawal from alcohol poisoning. A small measure of alcohol may be some
temporary relief, even if in the longer term it makes the hangover worse.
- www.phrases.org.uk [edited]
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My trick to enjoy Chinese hard liqor, 二锅头, for example, is not to be
greedy. Pluck a few hairs but not too many that the dog starts to bristle.
Several factors come into play as one tries to strike a balance, hydration,
mood, food being consumed, etc. Over time, one develops an art.
