Meaning & Analysis
Fish, proverbially, should 'swim' three times: first in water, then in sauce (or butter), and finally in wine (or beer) when consumed.
Insights
Tradition and Ritual
The proverb encapsulates culinary custom and convivial ritual, suggesting that fish should always be accompanied by ample drink, symbolizing hospitality and celebration.
Indulgence and Sociability
It playfully endorses the pleasures of eating and drinking in good company, framing such enjoyment as a time-honored, even necessary, tradition.
Cultural Gastronomy
Originating in European dining culture, the proverb reflects both the practical advice (that fish pairs well with sauce and wine) and a cheerful encouragement of moderate indulgence.
Social Commentary
By equating fish’s 'swimming' with the stages of its consumption, the saying humorously legitimizes the habit of drinking alcohol with meals, a subtle nudge against Puritan restraint.
Folkloric Evolution
Over centuries, the number of 'swims' (twice, thrice) and their specifics have varied, illustrating the adaptability of proverbs to shifting social and culinary norms.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
Uses ‘swimming’ as a playful metaphor for the journey of fish from sea, to sauce, to stomach—each stage involving a different liquid.
Enumeration
The structure’s listing of stages (‘thrice,’ ‘twice’) adds a rhythmic, almost ritualistic quality, enhancing memorability.
Wordplay
Exploits the double meaning of ‘swim’ to link natural behavior and human dining habits in a witty, light-hearted manner.
Transcription
Quotations
The Priest said: in Lent, thou shouldest Most refraine from drunkennesse, and abstaine from drinke. Not so, said the fellow: for it is an old Prouerbe, that fish must swim.
We say, fish must euer swimme twice.
Fish . . neuer doth digest well . . except it swimme twice after it comes forth the water: that is, first in butter, so to be eaten: then in wine or beere after it is eaten.
With carouses I did trimme me, That my fish might swim within me.
Fish must euer swim me twice.
*Once in the water, a second time in the sawce, and a third time in wine in the stomach.
*Once in Water, once in Sauce, and once in Drink.
Fish ought to swim thrice.
Tom, they say fish should swim thrice. . first it should swim in the sea, (do you mind me?) then it should swim in butter; and at last, sirrah, it should swim in good claret.
Cross References
- See Sr., no. 2416.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.