These days, our vocabulary seems to have shrunk down to whatever fits in a text message or social media post. But there was a time when everyday speech had character, when people expressed themselves with phrases that were as entertaining as they were meaningful. So let’s dust off these verbal treasures and give them another moment in the spotlight. Who knows? You might find yourself working them into conversation tomorrow.
1. “By Hook Or By Crook”
Ever been so determined to get something done that you’d try absolutely any method available? That’s exactly what “by hook or by crook” is all about—achieving your goal through any means necessary (legal means, of course, let’s not get carried away). The phrase dates back to medieval England when peasants were allowed to take dead wood from forests belonging to the King or lord, but only what they could reach with a shepherd’s hook or a reaper’s crook.
The expression survived for centuries because it captures that stubborn determination we all feel sometimes. Next time you’re grinding away at a seemingly impossible task at work or finding creative workarounds for a home improvement project, throw this phrase into the conversation. It has so much more character than just saying “whatever it takes” and reminds us that resourcefulness has been a human trait since way before YouTube tutorials existed.
2. “Twenty-three Skidoo”
If someone told you to “twenty-three skidoo” today, you’d probably just stare at them blankly, but in the 1920s, everyone knew this meant “get out of here quickly” or “scram!” According to Flatiron Nomad, popular theory connects it to the Flatiron Building in Manhattan—where peculiar wind tunnels would lift women’s skirts as they passed by 23rd Street. Men would gather to watch until cops chased them away with shouts of “Twenty-three skidoo!”
This expression perfectly captures the playful slang of the Jazz Age with its strange numerical reference and nonsensical “skidoo.” It’s much more colorful than modern equivalents like “get lost” or “beat it.” Plus, saying it makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight out of a black-and-white film where everyone’s drinking bootleg liquor and dancing the Charleston. Bring it back next time you need to tell your friends it’s time to leave the party.
3. “Mind Your P’s And Q’s”
When was the last time someone reminded you to “mind your P’s and Q’s”? This charming expression is essentially telling you to be on your best behavior and pay attention to the details—something we could all use a reminder about from time to time. According to The Guardian, the origins are contested, with theories ranging from bartenders tracking pints and quarts to typesetters being careful not to confuse lowercase p’s and q’s in printing presses.
Whatever its beginnings, this phrase carries a gentle reminder about carefulness that somehow doesn’t sound as preachy as “be careful” or “pay attention.” There’s something inherently polite about it, conjuring images of schoolrooms and careful penmanship. The next time your friend is about to enter a situation requiring tact and attention to etiquette, slip this phrase into your advice instead of the overused “be careful what you say.”
4. “See A Man About A Horse”
“I need to see a man about a horse” might be the most charming euphemism ever created for needing to use the bathroom or wanting to exit a conversation discreetly. Dating back to the 1800s, this expression was originally used when someone needed to step away to place a bet on a horse race, but it evolved into an all-purpose excuse to leave without detailing exactly why.
There’s something delightfully mysterious about this expression that modern alternatives like “I need to use the restroom” or “I’ve got to go” can’t match. It leaves people wondering if you’re up to something interesting, even when you’re just answering nature’s call. Try dropping this line next time you need to exit a boring meeting or awkward social situation—it’s quirky enough to make people smile while giving you the perfect cover for your escape.
5. “Put On The Ritz”
When you “put on the Ritz,” you’re not just dressing up—you’re going all out in grand style, embracing luxury and elegance with enthusiasm. The phrase comes from the ultra-luxurious Ritz hotels, which became synonymous with opulence and high-class living in the early 20th century. The expression gained even more popularity thanks to Irving Berlin’s 1929 song “Puttin’ On the Ritz” and the various films and performances that featured it.
In our world of “casual Fridays” that somehow extended to every day of the week, we’ve lost some of the joy that comes with occasional glamour and celebration. Rather than just saying you’re “dressing up” or “going somewhere fancy,” try telling your friends you’re “putting on the Ritz” before your next special occasion. It captures not just the act of dressing well but the entire mindset of embracing sophistication and making an evening memorable.
6. “Don’t Get Your Dander Up”
When someone tells you “don’t get your dander up,” they’re essentially asking you not to get angry or irritated—but with so much more color than just saying “calm down” (which, let’s be honest, has never actually calmed anyone down). According to The BBC, the phrase likely comes from the idea of dander—or dandruff—rising up when an animal’s fur stands on end when they’re agitated or ready to fight.
This expression manages to be both vivid and somewhat gentle in its approach to addressing someone’s rising temper. Instead of the confrontational “relax” or “chill out,” it acknowledges irritation while suggesting it might not be worth the physical reaction. Next time your friend is getting worked up about something minor like a restaurant reservation mix-up or a small slight from a coworker, try this phrase instead of the usual suspects—it might actually help defuse the situation with its old-fashioned charm.
7. “Talking A Blue Streak”
When someone’s “talking a blue streak,” they’re chattering away non-stop, words flowing so quickly you can barely keep up. The expression evokes an image of words leaving a colorful trail in the air, like a lightning bolt or a comet streaking across the sky. According to Grammarist, it first appeared in the early 1800s and paints a much more vivid picture than saying someone is “talking fast” or “won’t stop talking.”
The beauty of this phrase is how it captures both the speed and the unstoppable nature of enthusiastic conversation. We’ve all had those moments—maybe after too much coffee or when extremely excited about a new discovery—when thoughts come tumbling out faster than listeners can process them. Next time your friend can’t stop gushing about their new relationship or hobby, rather than telling them to slow down, acknowledge their excitement by noting they’re “talking a blue streak.” It recognizes their enthusiasm without shutting it down.
8. “Fit To Be Tied”
When you’re so frustrated or angry that you’re practically bursting at the seams, you’re “fit to be tied.” This colorful expression originated from the practice of restraining people who were extremely agitated or out of control—suggesting that you’re so worked up, you might need to be tied down. It perfectly captures that feeling when your emotions are threatening to overflow into actions you might regret.
There’s something about this phrase that acknowledges the intensity of your feelings without making them sound childish. Modern alternatives like “I’m so mad” or “I’m furious” just don’t paint the same vivid picture of barely contained emotion. The next time your cable company puts you on hold for the fifth time or your neighbor lets their dog use your lawn as a bathroom again, try telling your friend you’re “fit to be tied” instead of just saying you’re angry—they’ll get a much clearer picture of your mental state.
9. “Heavens To Betsy”
“Heavens to Betsy!” is the perfect exclamation for those moments of surprise that don’t quite warrant stronger language but definitely need more color than a simple “wow.” Nobody actually knows who Betsy was or why the heavens were being called upon to witness her situation—the phrase simply appeared in American language in the late 1800s as a mild, polite expression of astonishment or dismay.
The charm of this expression lies in its innocence and versatility—it works equally well for discovering your car has a flat tire or learning that your friend just got engaged. In a world where our reactions often default to “OMG” or emoji, bringing back this vintage exclamation adds character and warmth to your responses. Try it next time something surprises you; you’ll sound distinctive rather than just dropping another “that’s crazy” into the conversation.
10. “Dollars To Donuts”
When you’re so certain about something that you’d bet your dollars against someone else’s donuts (with dollars being worth much more than donuts), you’re saying “dollars to donuts.” This delightful American idiom emerged in the mid-19th century when donuts cost mere pennies, making it a colorful way to express overwhelming confidence in your prediction or belief. It’s like saying the odds are greatly in your favor.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about measuring certainty in pastries rather than just saying “I’m sure” or “definitely.” The phrase adds a playful element to your conviction while painting a more vivid picture. Next time you’re absolutely certain about the outcome of a sporting event or which restaurant your indecisive friend will ultimately choose, wrap your prediction in this sweet idiom instead of a boring “I bet”—it’s more memorable and adds a touch of vintage charm to your conversation.
11. “In The Catbird Seat”
When you’re “in the catbird seat,” you’re sitting pretty in an enviable position of advantage or control. The expression was popularized by baseball announcer Red Barber and cemented in American culture by James Thurber’s short story of the same name. The catbird itself is known for perching in high spots, singing loudly and confidently, surveying all below—much like someone who has the upper hand in a situation.
The phrase has a distinctly American flavor that captures that feeling of having everything going your way without sounding boastful. Rather than saying you’re “winning” or “on top,” this expression acknowledges good fortune with a touch of wisdom. Next time things are breaking your way—whether you snagged the perfect apartment or received an unexpected promotion—tell your friends you’re “sitting in the catbird seat” and bring this delightful idiom back into circulation.
12. “A Stitch In Time Saves Nine”
“A stitch in time saves nine” isn’t just an old saying—it’s practical wisdom wrapped in memorable language that we’d all do well to remember. The expression refers to sewing—if you mend a small tear with one stitch now, you’ll prevent it from growing larger and requiring nine stitches later. It’s the original “take care of small problems before they become big ones” advice, but with so much more character.
What makes this proverb special is its economy of language and perfect metaphor that applies to countless situations. From maintaining your car to addressing small relationship misunderstandings, the principle holds true across centuries. Next time you’re tempted to procrastinate on a small repair or difficult conversation, remember this phrase. It’s not just charming—it’s genuinely useful advice that might save you significant trouble down the road.
13. “Pleased As Punch”
When you’re “pleased as Punch,” you’re not just happy—you’re absolutely delighted, thoroughly satisfied with how things have turned out. The phrase references the puppet character Punch from the traditional Punch and Judy shows, who was notoriously gleeful (often wickedly so) about his mischievous accomplishments. Dating back to the 17th century, this expression has outlasted the popularity of the puppet shows that inspired it.
There’s something wonderfully visual about this expression that “very happy” or “thrilled” just can’t match. It suggests a particular kind of unrestrained, perhaps slightly smug satisfaction that we all feel when things go exactly according to plan. Next time you’re absolutely thrilled about something—whether it’s finding a parking spot directly in front of your destination or receiving glowing praise for a project—try saying you’re “pleased as Punch” instead of reaching for modern superlatives.
14. “Six Ways To Sunday”
When you’ve tried something “six ways to Sunday,” you’ve attempted it from every possible angle or approach. This colorful American expression suggests thoroughness, persistence, and exhausting all possibilities—like you’ve covered every day of the week and then some. The phrase likely originated in the 18th or 19th century and carries the satisfying rhythm of old-time speech.
The beauty of this expression is how it captures the feeling of having been completely thorough without sounding clinical or boring. Instead of saying you’ve “tried everything” or “explored all options,” this phrase paints a more vivid picture of your efforts. Next time you’re describing how you’ve tackled a persistent problem—whether it’s a mysterious car noise or a challenging work project—tell your friends you’ve tried it “six ways to Sunday” and bring some vintage verbal flair back into the conversation.
15. “Great Scott!”
“Great Scott!” is the perfect exclamation for those moments when you’re genuinely surprised but don’t want to resort to anything crude. Popular during the Victorian era and early 20th century, there’s debate about which “Scott” inspired the phrase—candidates include Sir Walter Scott, General Winfield Scott, and even the fictional character in “Back to the Future,” Doc Brown, who helped popularize it for younger generations.
The expression has a theatrical quality that makes everyday surprises feel more significant and story-worthy. Rather than the tired “OMG” or “no way,” this phrase gives weight to your reaction while remaining perfectly appropriate for any audience. Next time something unexpected happens—whether it’s a plot twist in a movie or discovering your friend’s hidden talent—try a hearty “Great Scott!” and watch how it elevates the moment from mundane to memorable.
