Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy

Banyan

A Banyan is barbecue or party, usually with steaks and beer. The term is derived from banian, a garment worn by an East Indian sect who neither kills nor eats meat. In the 18th century, the British navy denied its sailors meat on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; these days were known as banian (or Banyan) days. The custom was introduced during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I as an attempt to economize. The term has now come to mean just the opposite.

Added: 2014-11-01 Last modified: 2014-11-01