Learn English – Origin of “suit yourself”

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The young daughter of a friend of mine said, "I think 'suit yourself' comes from a lazy tailor," which cracked us up. It also got me wondering.

I did the obligatory google search and came up with lots of discussions as to its meaning (even though the search was on 'history of..' or 'origins of…'). Even on our lovely Stack Exchange we have a great discussion about meaning.

Anyone know where/how it originated? If not, I'm going to endorse the 'lazy tailor' story just because it tickles my funny bone.

Best Answer

The OED gives the pertinent meaning of suit as:

  1. To provide, furnish. Chiefly pass. (or refl.), to be provided (or provide oneself) with something desired and in such a manner as to please one.

Therefore 'suit yourself' is just another way of saying 'please yourself'. It's not metaphorical.

The OED also has an entry for the phrase itself:

b. suit yourself v. do (or think) as you please, please yourself. colloq.

1897 R. Kipling Capt. Courageous i. 21 ‘You stole it.’ ‘Suit yourself. We stole it ef it's any comfort to you.’

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