There are silly old time phrases that you may have heard others use, but don't use yourself. There's no reason to let the phrases our parents used die out. There are some pretty great silly old time phrases that you can add into any conversation that you're having. Here are a few of the greatest, most useful ones:
1. Paint the Town Red
If you're going out to have a good time with friends, say that you're going to paint the town red. It just means that you're about to have the time of your life. This is one of the silly old time phrases that you can use in everyday life.
2. Can't Cut the Mustard
This phrase means that something isn't good enough. So the next time a guy you're not interested in asks you out, say that he can't cut the mustard.
3. Drink like a Fish
If someone is guzzling down their drink, tell them that they drink like a fish. All it means is that they drink a lot, like a fish that's submerged in water.
4. Don't Jump Ship
If one of your pals is planning on quitting, tell them not to jump ship. The phrase means that you should never give up. It might sound silly, but it's an inspirational one.
5. The Cat's Meow
If something is absolutely awesome, say that it's the cat's meow. It's useful in any situation, but it works the best when you're talking about how cute a feline is.
6. Barking up the Wrong Tree
There are just as many phrases involving dogs as there are with cats. This one means that you're looking in the wrong direction for something.Accusing your colleague of eating your turkey sandwich from the office fridge was barking up the wrong tree.She's a vegan!
7. When the Rubber Hits the Road
This phrase is used when discussing something serious that is about to happen. You might be a silly person, but when the rubber hits the road, you're able to handle situations with grace.
8. Close, but No Cigar
If someone tries to answer a question correctly, but misses it slightly, tell them their attempt was close, but no cigar. There's an entire Weird Al song about the phrase.
9. Everything but the Kitchen Sink
If your pocketbook weights thirty pounds, then you're carrying around everything but the kitchen sink. It simply means that you're holding on to a ridiculous amount of items.
10. Keep Your Shirt on
This phrase means that you should stay calm. So the next time that your crush is freaking out about a test, tell him to keep his shirt on. But not literally.
11. Put a Sock in It
Instead of telling someone to shut up, you can tell them to put a sock in it. It sounds less rough, so they won't be as annoyed with you. Plus, it might make them laugh, which means they'll stop talking.
There are hundreds of silly phrases out there, but it's up to you to use them. You wouldn't want them to die out, would you? They're too much fun to pass up. Do you know of any other old time phrases that are fun to toss into a conversation? Where have you heard them from?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some funny old-time phrases I can use?
- Try sayings like 'bee's knees' or 'cat's pajamas' to add quirky charm to your chats.
- How can I sound more playful using these phrases?
- Use them in casual conversations to bring humor and a vintage twist to your words.
- Are these old-time phrases still understood today?
- Many are still recognized, especially in playful or nostalgic contexts.
- Can I use these phrases in professional settings?
- They're best kept for informal conversations to keep things light and fun.
- Where do these silly phrases come from?
- They often originated in the early 20th century as colorful slang expressions.
- Will using these phrases make me sound outdated?
- Not at all! They add personality and a fun flair to your language.
- How do I know when to use these phrases?
- Use them when you want to lighten the mood or add humor to your talks.
- Can these phrases be used in writing?
- Yes, especially in personal letters, blogs, or social media for a playful tone.
- Are these phrases popular among women today?
- Many women enjoy them for their whimsical and nostalgic appeal.
- Where can I learn more silly old-time phrases?
- Check out vintage slang collections, blogs, or social media pages dedicated to fun language.