Have you seen the phrase 'five o'clock shadow' somewhere on the internet or in a text and would like to know more about what it could mean? The saying is common in the English language, and its origin is not what people think. This post looks at the meaning, origin and most common ways to use this phrase.
Meaning
The phrase 'five o'clock shadow' is a common figurative saying in the English language.
The saying 'five o'clock shadow' refers to the appearance of the initial stubble that a man displays shortly after shaving, usually partially through the day.
The saying can be a reference to someone's physicality, but the phrase can also be used to imply that someone is tired, exhausted or has spent a considerable amount of time partying.
Use of the phrase 'five o'clock shadow' is not normally serious, and is known to have mostly sarcastic or humorous implications when said.
The saying can be used as a direct reference, although it can also be used to refer to a third party in conversation.
If someone has a 'five o'clock shadow' then the phrase is usually used to imply tiredness even though this was not the original meaning of the saying.
The saying is not usually used in the denial form.
Example Usage
“What the fuck did you and the guys do last night? One would swear that we can see your five o'clock shadow from the moon.”
“If you have a five o'clock shadow like that then you sure must have had a couple of rough nights. Where did you go on vacation, Brokeback Mountain?”
“If I'm starting to develop the five o'clock shadow by two, then I think we need to take a break from the meeting and go do some coke in the bathroom at the chicken place.”
“I'm not tired, I have a five o'clock shadow like this because I spent all night at your mother's place. Stop asking weird questions.”
Origin
The origin of the phrase 'five o'clock shadow' comes from a marketing campaign by the Gem Safety Razor Company according to most online etymology resources.
The phrase 'five o'clock shadow' was first used in the 1930s by the company in the United States to market their razors to men. By convincing men who needed to shave to do so more often with the idea of a 'five o'clock shadow', more razors were sold.
The phrase entered the common speech through the advertising campaign, although the expression would stick around and the origin was mostly forgot in the process by people who use the saying.
Due to its origin, the phrase can be more common in the United States than anywhere else English is spoken.
The phrase does not necessarily translate well into other languages as a direct phrase, also as a result of its origin as an American English marketing campaign.
Phrases Similar to Five O'Clock Shadow
- N/a
Phrases Opposite to Five O'Clock Shadow
- Razor burn
What is the Correct Saying?
- [someone has a] five o'clock shadow
Ways People May Say Five O'Clock Shadow Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone can use the phrase 'five o'clock shadow' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the use of the saying.
The phrase 'five o'clock shadow' is never used as 'five o'clock shadows' since there is no use for the plural unless the speaker refers to a group.
The phrase does not translate well as a direct phrase into other languages, as it originated from an American English advertising campaign.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Five O'Clock Shadow
The right way to use the phrase 'five o'clock shadow' is to use the term to refer to stubble, or to use the phrase to imply that someone is tired enough to display growth (and that they were thus too tired or busy to shave in the first place).