Red-Letter Day
The phrase ‘Red-Letter Day’ can be used to signify a special or memorable day, a day of importance, such as a holiday, birthday, anniversary etc.
Example of use: Jacob — ”I finished my last exam yesterday. From now on you can call me a college graduate.” Josh — ”Well, yesterday was truly a red-letter day for you.”
Interesting fact
The first recorded use of the phrase was in 'The book of Eneydos' printed in 1490: "We write in our calendars the high festies with red letters of color." However, the phrase goes back to the late 1300s when important and religious days were marked in red ink in calendars made in monasteries and convents. The red ink enabled them to notice the days, so that they could start preparing for them.
Beside Oneself
The phrase describes a distressed person in an extreme emotional state, brought by a situation that causes one to be out of his wit and senses.
Example of use: “I know Daniel saw your girlfriend at the movies last night with another man, but there’s no reason to be beside yourself, he’s probably her cousin.”
Interesting fact
The first recorded use of the term is in the Old testament (Acts 26:24): "Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning makes thee mad." The meaning of 'Beside Oneself' in the verse is that Paul's anger has driven him to the point of madness, however nowadays it describes a situation where a person is at an extreme mode of an emotion, such as happiness, sadness, madness or any other emotion.
Doppelgänger
A doppelganger is a person that resembles, and looks like someone else, however, is not related to the first person.
Example of use: Don — ”I saw Mark at the movies last night, but he didn’t seem to notice me when I called him. Do you know if he’s angry at me, and why?” Amos —”That’s so weird, cause Mark is on a business trip in India since last Wednesday. I think you saw his doppelganger.”
Interesting fact
The term 'Doppelgänger' is derived from German, and its literal meaning is "Ghostly Double". Doppelgängers were considered to be omens of bad luck, and it was believed that when he was seen by either a person's friends or even by himself, it was an omen of illness, danger and even death. The term was first used by Jean Paul in the novel 'Siebenkäs' in 1796. However, its first appearance in English was in 1851, in 'The Denham tracts', a collection of folklore by M.A. Denham.
Photobomb
‘Photobomb’ is when an unexpected person or thing that either intentionally or by accident appears as the photograph is being taken. Photobombing usually happens as a practical joke, and without the acknowledgement of the main subjects of the photo.
Example of use: “I can’t believe that almost all of our wedding photos were photobombed by that crazy pigeon. In one of them you can even see the moment he tried to attack my husband.”
Interesting fact
Photobombing has been around since the 70's, however, it became a widespread phenomenon following the technological transition from analog film to digital in the early 2000s, coupled with the rise of photo-sharing social sites such as Facebook, Instagram and more. The first recorded use of the phrase was in the online dictionary of slang words and phrases, 'Urban Dictionary', on May 6th 2008.
Snail Mail
The phrase ‘Snail Mail’ (or ‘Smail’) refer to mail that was carried by the traditional postal delivery service.
Example of use: Daria –”I didn’t get your wedding invitation yet and the wedding is in 3 days.” Ruth –”Well, I guess that’s why it’s called Snail Mail, cause I’ve mailed the invitations 2 weeks ago and they still haven’t arrived, though we live in the same city.”
Interesting fact
The phrase refers to the long time it takes mail to reach its destination from the moment it's sent, as the slow pace of a snail. The first recorded use of the phrase was in a 1942 article posted in the Lowell Sun, however, not until it was common to use Emails to transfer messages and information in the early 1990's, the slowness of conventional mail was so blunt.
Punch Above One’s Weight
The term ‘punch above one’s weight’ means performing or achieving results better than expected and beyond one’s ability, skill, experience etc.
Example of use: “Although Brad isn’t the best track runner, I think that if he trains hard and punches above his weight, he’ll be able to qualify for the upcoming competition.”
Interesting fact
In the early 19th century, weight classes in boxing were established and boxing matches were divided into different weight categories -- flyweight, lightweight, etc. Since the regulations were established, only boxers of the same weight category could fight each other. When a boxer from a lighter weight category fought someone in a heavier category, he'd be 'punching above his weight'. Today the term is used figuratively in occasions where someone tries to compete outside their comfort zone and usual class.
Much Ado about Nothing
The phrase ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ is used when someone is overreacting and makes a big deal of fuss over something unimportant.
Example of use: “Some people make a big fuss about which seat they’ll get on the plane, but as far as I can see it’s much ado about nothing, since everyone will get to the same destination at precisely the same time.”
Interesting fact
'Much Ado about Nothing' is the title of a well-known play by Shakespeare (1599). The phrase assimilated into the English language and to this day is still used in its original form.
Nothing to Sneeze At
Something that is not an inconsequential matter, not a trifling thing.
Example of use: “When Daniel was chosen to be valedictorian, he was so proud, because the honor of being chosen to represent your entire class is nothing to sneeze at.”
Interesting fact
In the 17th century, sneezing was considered a symbol of status as people believed it cleared their head and stimulated their brain. Soon sneezing at will became a way to show one's disapproval, lack of interest and boredom. The first recorded use of the phrase in its current negative form, was in 1799, in a play by John Till Allingham: 'Fortune's Frolic': "Why, as to his consent I don't value it a button; but then £5000 is a sum not to be sneezed at."
Prima Donna
The phrase ‘Prima Donna’ is usually used to describe someone who behaves in a demanding and arrogant way, often expecting special treatment and usually unable to work well with others.
Example of use: “When I served that famous singer in my restaurant, she requested that the chef change almost all the ingredients in her pasta, changed tables 4 different times and then got upset when the main course didn’t’ arrive as soon as she’d finished her hors d’oeuvre!! She’s truly the biggest Prima Donna I have ever met.”
Interesting fact
The first use of the phrase 'Prima Donna' was in Italy in 1782, however back then it was used to refer to the principal female singer in the opera. Around the early 1800's the phrase became a mainstream term in its derogatory connotations, probably because of the stereotypical behavior of famous opera singers.
Hit the Ground Running
To immediately start an activity and work very hard and with full commitment.
Example of use: “As soon as the CEO approval of the new product came through, the entire office hit the ground running”.
Interesting fact
The usage of the phrase is associated with the invasion of Normandy (also known as 'D-Day') in World War 2. It was used to describe Nazi troops hitting the ground and running for cover after Allied ships invaded the shores. However, the first recorded use of the phrase was in the story 'King of the Liars', which was published in several newspapers in 1895: "I knew I had five more cartridges, so I hit the ground running and squatted low down..."
Backseat Driver
A Backseat Driver is someone who gives unwanted and unneeded advice. Usually interfering in affairs without having the authority and knowledge to do so.
Example of use: “Daisy is such a backseat driver, she needs to stop interfering – no one asked for her advice.”
Interesting fact
The term originated in the United States in the early 1920s, as transportation via automobiles became more common and wealthy people started using a private chauffeur who sat in the driving seat and got the directions from the person in the back seat. The first recorded figurative use of the term was in the 1921 December edition of the Bismarck Tribune: "A backseat driver is the pest who sits on the rear cushions of a motor car and tells the driver what to do..."
In the Pink
When someone’s described as ‘In the Pink’, that means he is in peak physical condition and in the best possible health.
Example of use: “Jon recovered from his surgery in less than 10 days, and is now in the pink of condition.”
Interesting fact
The first recorded use of the phrase was in the 1597 play 'Romeo and Juliet' by Shakespeare: "I am the pinke of curtesie". However, at that time the meaning of the phrase was different, and it meant the very best example, the pinnacle, and didn't necessarily refer to health.
Going Postal
‘Going Postal’ means to become extremely angry, often to the point of rage and violence, especially when provoked in a workplace setting.
Example of use: “Did you hear that Mark went postal yesterday at the office, after his manager told him that Jane’s getting the promotion he was promised.”
Interesting fact
The origin of the phrase derives from a series of incidents involving U.S. Postal workers, who shot and killed fellow workers and members of the public in 1986. The first recorded use was in an article by Karl Vick's 'Violence at work tied to loss of esteem', published on December 17th 1993 in the St. Petersburg Times: "The symposium was sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service, which has been so many outbursts that in some circles excessive stress is known as 'going postal'..."
Johnny On the Spot
The phrase “Johnny On the Spot” refers to a person who is always available, ready, reliable and willing to perform a duty or a task without delay.
Example of use: “when Gabriel comes over, you need to be my Johnny on the Spot and make sure that we have whatever he needs.”
Interesting fact
The phrase 'Johnny on the Spot' was first recorded is in the 1896 April issue of the New York Sun: "JOHNNY ON THE SPOT: A New Phrase Which Has Become Popular in New York." The origin of the phrase can't be traced specifically, though it certainly originated from the expression ‘Johnny is always on the spot when wanted.’
Top Banana
The ‘Top Banana’ is the leading person, the most powerful or important person in the group or organization.
Example of use: ”Everybody agrees that Misha is the top banana in the office.”
Interesting fact
The phrase originated in the burlesque theater, from a very popular comedy skit in which the leading comedian was given a banana after delivering the punch line. The act and joke were so widely known that the term was coined to refer to the headliner, the person in the top position.
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