A reader writes:

I am trying to find the origin and meaning of the toast “Here’s mud in your eye.” I have been to a few parties where this toast has been used and many other guests were as ignorant of its meaning as I was. Can you enlighten?

The Field says: This drinking toast has a variety of meanings, but they all stem from the main source of expressing good spirit and humour and a way of wishing success or happiness to someone who is drinking with you. It has also been used in the world of horse-racing where the winning horse kicks mud in the eyes of the losing ones. It has been connected to farmers raising a glass to the success of a good harvet, with mud in the eye symbolising a plentiful crop. (You might like to read Jonathan Ray’s advice on buying port.)

This toast may have a risen from the story found in chapter nine of the Gospel of St John, where “mud in the eye” is a medium of healing and well-being.

This article was originally published in 2008 and has been updated.