E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Swiss.
The nickname of a Swiss is “Colin Tampon” (q.v.).
1
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 Ca’rians. In the hotels of Paris this notice is common: “Demandez [or Parlez] au Suisse” (Speak to the porter).
