Na posashok
March 7th, 2007
This is the second funny typical Russian expression I want to tell you about.
In old days in Russian drinking etiquette, male visitors would be compelled by their festy female host at the end of the evening to attempt to drink a shot of vodka balanced on a posashok, a staff or walking stick. Success, drinking the shot without a spillage or breakage, demonstrated sufficient sobriety and allowed him to return home.
Should he fail, and smash the shot glass, the hopeful host would of course consider him inebriated and ensure that he stayed with her for the evening.
Now, the phrase is used to mean “one for the road” or is a signifier of the end of a drinking session. But, ladies, you could always revive the tradition, and try your luck. ![]()



