Do you want to add something extra to your next purchase? Maybe you are in the market for a new car and want all the luxuries you can get. If so, then the phrase bells and whistles will come in handy. If you want to learn more about this phrase, we can help. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The saying bells and whistles mean something that is extravagant, but doesn’t have much actual use. Extra features that add to an experience, but are not required are another way to explain the meaning of bells and whistles. For example, you can buy a car with great gas mileage, but adding Bluetooth and leather seats would be the bells and whistles.
Anything that refers to non-essential, yet luxurious features can be considered bells and whistles. It is worth noting that bells and whistles refer to attractive, unique, or special features, not basic additions. The phrase can be used when referring to anything from fashion to the latest computer.
Example Usage
“When I get my outfit for prom, I want to have an extravagant dress with all of the bells and whistles”.
“My wedding is going to be the event of the decade, I have chosen all of the bells and whistles that money can buy”.
“Nothing is better than buying new technology retrofitted with all of the most advanced bells and whistles on the market”.
“Janise is always going on about how many fancy bells and whistles she has on her new iPhone, it’s pretty annoying”.
Origin
The first recorded use of the phrase bells and whistles was in 1968. There are some references to a very similar phrase in the 19th century, however, the term was used as a warning or for events that were being promoted. One such reference is to the Salvation Army, which used whistles and bells to draw attention to themselves for various purposes. The term is also said to have come from model trains, locomotives, and signals as they used bells and whistles to alert or draw attention to themselves. In the 18th and 19th centuries, most circuses and fairs featured highly ornate organs. The organs at these events had very noticeable bells and whistles, which were part of their allure.
The more modern meaning came about in the era of technology, specifically during the IT rush in the early 1960s. There were advertisements for positions in the field, which often stated that the new tech would be outfitted with “all the bells and whistles”. Not long after, the phrase was mass adopted for various forms of marketing in the tech field and beyond.
A lesser credited source for the phrase is Rowland Emmett. The English cartoonist also happened to be a sculptor. He often created elaborate drawings which feature whimsical machinery that follow the steampunk style. It had contraptions that were loaded down with bells and whistles. In fact, he was the creator of the 1968 creation, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Phrases Similar to Bells and Whistles
- Frills
- Glitz
- Features
- Gimcrackery
- Ornaments
- Frills and furbelows
Phrases Opposite to Bells and Whistles
- Blemish
- Stain
- Defacement
- Plain Jane
- Base model
- The basics
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is – bells and whistles.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Bells and Whistles
Some ways that bells and whistles are used incorrectly are:
I love seeing you play the bells and whistles, it’s very fun and lighthearted.
There are a lot of bells and whistles on the vanilla base model.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Bells and Whistles
- Some ways that bells and whistles are used correctly are:
- When you plan to buy a luxury item, you might as well go for one with all the bells and whistles since you are spending anyway.
- I plan to get a Cadillac with as many bells and whistles as I can afford for my 50th birthday.