cough sweet

The standard British English term for what Americans call a cough drop or throat lozenge — the medicated hard candy you dissolve in your mouth to soothe a sore throat or suppress a cough. Typically mentholated, honey-flavored, or both. You'll find them at every British pharmacy and corner shop, usually in familiar brands like Tunes or Halls. A cough sweet is also the classic thing someone's nan produces from the depths of her handbag.