Can anyone help? I read a book by the 19th Century author Surtees. In it he makes reference
to "Tom and Jerry". As he was a 19th century Englishman its obviously not referring to
Walt Disney. I "think" it may be a reference to the "Regency" period in England.
Thankx,Darryl,Australia.

1. 'Tom and Jerry' were MGM cartoon characters, not Walt Disney
2.Tom and Jerry Hawthorn, characters in Life in London, a novel by Pierce Egan (1772–1849)

Tom and Jerry was a punch of some sort. You can still see punchbowl and cup sets with the Tom and Jerry inscription in antique stores. Named after the Hawthorn characters? Don't know.

What was the context of the usage? Does the punch definition fit?

Re Tom and Jerry, I'd have to read the book again but from memory it was used in reference to
behaviour, IE Tom and Jerry type of activity.
Darryl.