subs. (common).—1. Face powder; SLAP (q.v.). As verb. = TO MAKE UP (q.v.).
2. (common).—Display; exertion; effort. Hence, SPLASH UP = in good style; quick time; BANG-UP (q.v.).
1885. Daily Telegraph, 28 Dec. Enable him to have a rattling good SPLASH for it somehow—break or make.
1885. G. A. SALA [Daily Telegraph, 1 Sept., 5, 4]. I should like to see the Australian Crœsusses spending their money. Why don’t they cut a SPLASH with their magnificent revenues?
1899. KERNAHAN, Scoundrels & Co., xv. I’ve got the loan of a big hall at the East End for the purpose, and I intend to make a bit of a SPLASH.
1900. PERCY WHITE, The West End, 16. ‘What a big SPLASH your uncle will make, Atherton!’ said he. ‘Of course it isn’t for me to advise; but if you want him to ‘arrive’ soon you had better get a real ‘flyer’ to take your aunt in hand.’
