To go westward for SMELTS

Insights

Deception and Infidelity

The phrase serves as a coded euphemism for engaging in illicit activities, particularly marital infidelity or prostitution, under the guise of a plausible but false errand.

Risky Transgression

The "westward" direction alludes to the journey to the Tyburn gallows in London, subtly implying that the clandestine activity is dangerous and carries the risk of severe, even fatal, consequences.

Coded Communication

It functions as a piece of period slang, allowing individuals to speak about clandestine affairs in a way that is understood by insiders but sounds innocent to the uninitiated, such as a suspicious spouse.

Historical London Context

The proverb is rooted in London's geography, where "going westward" could mean a trip on the Thames or, more ominously, the journey to the Tyburn execution site. This dual meaning adds a layer of dark humor and danger to the seemingly innocent phrase.

Jacobean Social Mores

This phrase is a prime example of Jacobean slang, reflecting the social dynamics of the early 17th century. Its use by playwrights like Dekker and Webster indicates it was a known euphemism for marital infidelity, understood by contemporary audiences.

Psychology of the Alibi

The proverb perfectly encapsulates the psychology of a fabricated alibi—specific and mundane enough to sound plausible, yet designed to obscure a hidden, illicit truth. It reveals a timeless human strategy for managing deceit.

Rhetorical Devices

Euphemism

The entire phrase serves as a socially acceptable or humorous substitute for describing clandestine, often sexual, activities.

Dark Humor

A dark, ironic contrast is created between the mundane cover story of fishing and the serious risks associated with the hidden activities, hinted at by the "westward" journey to the gallows.

Idiom

Its meaning is not deducible from the individual words alone and is highly specific to the cultural and geographical context of Jacobean London.