Swiss

The nickname of a Swiss is “Colin Tampon” (q.v.).

No money, no Swiss—i.e. no servant. The Swiss have ever been the mercenaries of Europe—willing to serve anyone for pay. The same was said of the ancient Caʹrians. In the hotels of Paris this notice is common: “Demandez [or Parlez] au Suisse” (Speak to the porter).

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.