: References in media like Doja Cat's song or F. Scott Fitzgerald's literature . Popular Theories on Origin Articles debate several potential historical sources:

Articles on "paint the town red" generally agree that the idiom means to celebrate extravagantly or engage in a wild night out. While many sources highlight a colorful 1837 vandalism incident in England as the literal origin, most etymologists point to American slang from the 1880s as the true source in print. Meaning and Usage

: Marking milestones like graduations, promotions, or winning a championship.

Modern articles define the phrase as "to indulge in riotous entertainment" or "celebrate boisterously". Common usage includes:

: A night of uninhibited fun, often involving drinking and dancing in bars or clubs.