Growing up with everyday American phrases can make us overlook their eccentricities. Many Americanisms have lost their original meaning or become so common that they perplex non-Americans. Let’s delve into some uniquely American sayings that baffle people worldwide. These American expressions shed light on the fascinating linguistic quirks that set American English apart and leave others scratching their heads in confusion.
Strange American Sayings That Confuse Visitors From Abroad
Going Postal
During the 1980s and ’90s, stressed American postal workers sometimes became very angry, which led to workplace incidents. This gave rise to the phrase “going postal,” meaning extreme anger and losing control.
Piece of cake
When tasks are described as “a piece of cake,” it means they’re easy. The origin of this saying goes back to the 19th century when there was a tradition among African Americans involving walking around a cake, and the most graceful couple would win it.
Scoot over
For Americans, asking someone to “scoot over” is a common way to request them to move a bit.
For the birds
In the U.S., if something is considered unimportant or worthless, Americans might say it’s “for the birds.” It references birds pecking at horse droppings for seeds, signifying that whatever is being discussed is utterly useless or nonsense.
Til the cows come home
This American saying means that you’re going to spend a long time doing something. So, if something isn’t getting done “til the cows come home,” be prepared to wait for quite a while.
John Hancock
John Hancock was a founding father of the United States, and if someone requests your “John Hancock,” they simply want your signature.
Put lipstick on a pig
It’s often used in American politics and means that trying to make something ugly or deficient look better is futile. It’s like trying to dress up a pig with lipstick – it may look nicer, but it’s still a pig.
Jonesing
Jonesing is slang for having a strong craving. Originally associated with unusual food cravings, it dates back to the late 1950s when “Mr. Jones” was a code name for heroin among New York City beatniks, giving it a rather unconventional origin.
Break a leg
The phrase is a way of wishing someone good luck to ensure the opposite doesn’t happen. “Break a leg” is a superstitious saying originating in American theater, where people wish actors a successful performance.
Knock on wood
This is a superstitious tradition involving the physical act of tapping, knocking, or touching wood to ward off bad luck and ensure that the spoken hope or statement remains true.
Not a big fan
In general terms, it is an alternative to expressing dislike for something
It’s not rocket science
This is a way of explaining something by emphasizing what it is not, in this case, suggesting that something is not overly complicated. Its origin is tied to the fact that the U.S. was the first English-speaking country to establish a comprehensive program focused on studying rocket science.
Break a bill
When we need to exchange a larger bill for a smaller one, the term “break a bill” is often used.
Mystery meat
Americans have a fondness for the term “mystery meat,” often used to refer to any unappetizing, uncertain meat-based dish you might find in a cafeteria.
Fanny pack
While those less fashionable zippered waist packs might be staging a comeback in high fashion, the term used for them can still sound pretty humorous and peculiar to non-Americans.
Let’s table this
In the U.S., this phrase suggests, you’re placing an issue on a metaphorical table to address at a later date.
Don’t be such a wet blanket
When someone is being a killjoy or dampening the mood of others, Americans might use the expression “wet blanket,” leaving foreigners to wonder what it has to do with actual blankets.
Jump the shark
The phrase “jump the shark” describes when a TV show or work overstays its welcome.
Long in the tooth
This phrase is used to describe something that has become old or has gone on for too long. It originally referred to horses whose teeth continue to grow as they age.
Flake
We all know that one unreliable friend cancels plans at the last minute. In American slang, they’re often called a “flake.” They can flake out on a night at the bar, too.
Green thumb
The term “green thumb” evokes a misleading image of a green-colored thumb, which doesn’t align with its actual meaning, representing someone skilled in gardening.
Plead the Fifth
The phrase commonly featured in shows like “Law & Order,” refers to the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which safeguards individuals from self-incrimination. It means refusing to testify when the testimony might implicate the witness in a crime.
Keeper
The term “keeper” is used to describe a good or excellent significant other.
Clutch
In modern slang, it means that something is exceptionally convenient, fantastic, and precisely what you need at the moment.
Go Dutch
When two Americans are on a date, they might opt to “go Dutch,” meaning they split the bill, with each person paying for their portion
Cattywampus
Cattywampus is a term used to describe something that’s slightly crooked or out of alignment, making it a fitting word to depict the winding and uneven back roads found in Alabama.
Don’t cry over spilt milk
The phrase is often used to console someone upset about something they cannot change.
How are you
This question often means “hi” and doesn’t necessarily expect a genuine answer.
Bought the Farm
The phrase means an untimely death, popularized during World War II when inexperienced pilots crashed into rural fields, leading the government to compensate farmers and giving rise to the expression.
Period
Americans frequently add “period” to the end of sentences for emphasis or drama.
Behind the eight-ball
This is a phrase from the pool, referring to a challenging situation with a difficult shot. For those unfamiliar with pool, this American expression might be puzzling.
Working the graveyard shift
Though this phrase might suggest employment at a cemetery. it means working from midnight to about 8 a.m. in a quiet or empty environment, unrelated to cemeteries.
Jump on the bandwagon
This means supporting a popular activity or cause. So, when someone “jumps on the bandwagon,” they are joining a popular trend, often used to describe politicians trying to appeal to voters by participating in parades.
…Will happen momentarily
In the United States, when someone says something will happen “momentarily,” they mean it will occur in just a few moments.
Canadian bacon
In the U.S., “Canadian bacon” refers to a product more similar to what Canadians would call “ham.” This difference in terminology can lead to misunderstandings.
Chai tea
In many languages, including Hindi, “chai” simply means “tea.” So when people from the United States request a “chai tea,” they are essentially asking for “tea tea,” or “milk tea with sugar.”
First base, second base
The concept of “bases” in the context of physical contact with a member of the opposite sex involves a progression of intimacy. “First base” typically refers to kissing with tongue, followed by “second base,” “third base,” and finally “scoring,” each representing increasing levels of intimacy.
Take a Raincheck
The American slang term means rescheduling or postponing an appointment. You can take a raincheck for various situations, like a canceled show or an out-of-stock item you want to buy in a store.
Cold turkey
Cold turkey means quitting something abruptly, like an addiction, without gradual reduction or assistance.
Podunk
It means something small, boring, out-of-the-way, or insignificant. It is often used to describe small towns, although small towns are often considered charming.
Riding Shotgun
The concept of the wild, old West is primarily American. The term “shotgun” means claiming the front seat next to the driver. This seat is often considered the best spot for a road trip, in the opinion of many.
Under the weather
The expression is an idiom used in the United States to describe feeling unwell or not in good health.
Put up your dukes
The phrase is a colloquial way of saying to raise your fists in preparation for a fight.
Can I take the rest to go
In the U.S., restaurants often serve large portions, leading to the common practice of requesting a ‘doggy bag’ to minimize food waste.
Tell me about it
The phrase “tell me about it” is often used in American English to express empathy or agreement with what someone else is saying.
That’s the way the cookie crumbles
The phrase is used in the United States to convey that one must accept their fate or the way things have turned out.
The cat’s out of the bag
When someone says ‘the cat’s out of the bag,’ it means that a secret has been exposed.
Can I crash at your place?
In the United States it’s generally more acceptable to be straightforward about your hospitality needs when you have a close relationship with acquaintances.
More Bang for Your Buck
This American slang means that something is worth the money you are spending.
We should hang out sometime
In American culture, casual promises to meet up don’t always carry the same weight, as flakiness has become somewhat ingrained.
Shoot the breeze
In modern terms, when Americans “shoot the breeze,” they engage in prolonged conversations about unimportant topics.
A bat out of hell
The phrase is used to describe someone or something moving extremely fast.
The Whole Nine Yards
The phrase “the whole nine yards” means having or doing everything possible or desired in a particular situation.
My anxiety’s been really bad lately
It refers to mental health stigma and normalizing conversations about mental health.
I could care less
The phrase “I could care less” is often used in the United States to express indifference or lack of interest in something.
Nosebleed Seats
This term is used to describe the seats that are situated in the uppermost, farthest, and usually the most affordable section of the venue.
Monday-morning quarterback
A “Monday-morning quarterback” is someone who engages in hindsight criticism. Originating in the 1930s, this phrase was initially used to describe fans who critically analyzed football game strategies from the weekend. Today, it applies to anyone who second-guesses actions or decisions.
Sounds like a broken record
The idiom means that someone is repetitively saying the same thing. It originates from the concept of a broken record, which repeats the same line continuously.
So what do you do
This is a practice of asking about one’s profession.
Spill the Beans
The phrase “spill the beans” means to disclose or reveal information that was originally intended to be kept confidential or secret. It’s a common idiom used to describe the act of unintentionally or intentionally sharing sensitive or private details.
Ballpark figure
This is a financial term representing a rough numerical estimate.
Order an entrée
Americans refer to the initial part of the meal as an “appetizer” and the main course as the “entrée.”
American sayings and phrases can be strange and confusing to people from other countries. Some of these sayings have been around for a very long time, while others have traveled from the United States to other places. Our today’s list is like taking a little adventure into the world of American words and expressions.