Mrs A. said something the other day about fixing my little red wagon. Never mind why. I've heard the expression bandied about, mainly via Daffy Duck cartoons, but where did it come from and what the hell does it mean?
What happened to my little red wagon that it needs fixing? Am I insured? Should I take the insurance payout and upgrade to a blue wagon with less mileage? What possessed me to own a little red wagon in the first place?
And while we're on the subject, what about other sayings?
If I'm happy as Larry, and Larry is having a bad day, is there some unspoken agreement that I have to be cranky just cause he is? Who is Larry, and why is he the benchmark of feelings of joy and goodwill? What if Larry and I don't get on? Can I be as happy as someone with whom I have something in common?
Going off like a frog in a sock. Not so mainstream perhaps, but one of Mrs A's favourites. What other amphibians would suit other types of hosiery to describe something similar. Is it a local saying? Do the French go off like grenouille dan le chaussette?
And why are pigs so happy in mud. Well I suppose that's obvious, but why the comparison. Why not as happy as a nerd in Tandy, or a woman in a shoe store?
Sober as a Judge. Not bloody likely. Pissed as a parrot. When have you truly seen a member of the family pasittacidae with a beer in its claw?
Tickled pink. I have spent many a time tickling nieces and godson, hoping for a change in colour to no avail. Well maybe blue.
What expressions mean nothing to you? What expressions need to be brought into the 21st century? Updated to suit our modern lifestyles.
See you round like a record. Sorry, C.D. Sorry MP3. I'm lost.
I'm a big fan of antiquated aphormisms and outdated slang; I'd personally hate to see them brought-up-to-date.
Not familiar with "Happy as Larry" though. Is that akin to "Bob's your uncle?"
Posted by: Sarcasmo | January 30, 2006 at 12:38 PM
I'm not sure where Larry came from. The uncle Bob expression seems a bit like "Voila" or "Hey Presto"?
Posted by: JtH | January 31, 2006 at 07:16 AM
"Bob's your uncle" I actually know and know the origins of, strangely, despite the fact we don't use the phrase in the US (I mean, unless someone putting on a poor British accent). It's more akin to something "being in the bag" (like a cat?) and/or "all sewn up." Two other phrases that, incidentally, baffle me.
Here's the skinny on Uncle Bob.
Posted by: Sarcasmo | January 31, 2006 at 08:33 AM
I was wondering if you could give me a list of expressions that you have been talking about, perferralbly the ones using someones name like "happy as larry" and "bob's ur uncle".
thanx heaps,
Freya
Posted by: Freya Horswell | February 14, 2006 at 04:57 PM
My name is freya horswell too! YIPEE!
Posted by: Freya | September 22, 2006 at 11:55 AM