Definition of the word splash out

The phrase "splash out" originated in the early 1900s, specifically around the late 1890s and early 1900s. It is believed to have originated in the UK, in the context of sailing or boating. The word "splash" has been used for centuries to describe the sound of water hitting an object or the surface of water itself. In the context of boating, "splash" referred to the noise made by the water as the boat cut through it, and in some cases, it would also refer to the resulting wave or spray in the water as well. The term "splash out" as it is used today implies going beyond one's usual spending limits, often in a somewhat wild or extravagant way. The origins of this meaning come from the same nautical context as the original meaning - when sailors would enjoy a lavish meal or disturb the water with great force by throwing items like food or drinks overboard, it was known as "splashing out". This usage gradually came to represent a broader sense of extravagance, beyond the bounds of just sailing and boating enthusiasts, to describe any spending that goes beyond normal or expected limits. So essentially, "splash out" has its origins in the sounds and actions associated with sailing or boating, where "splashing" referred to the noise and motion of water in these contexts. Its modern usage, however, has evolved to describe any extravagant or reckless spending.