Are you looking for a way to express your feelings of bliss and delight? If so, you could tell everyone that you're floating on "cloud 9." This post unpacks the meaning and soring of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "cloud 9" means that you are in a perpetual state of bliss and happiness—the expression suits when you're feeling a natural reaction or a euphoric reaction induced by chemicals.
Being on "cloud nine" means you're feeling good about circumstances in your life. For instance, you could land a dream job offer, or you could be feeling over the moon about your relationship with your partner.
Example Usage
"I can't believe Mike asked me out on a date. I've had a crush on him for years. I feel like I'm on cloud nine right now."
"I just passed the bar exam. Man, that was seven years of hard work coming together in a few short hours. I feel like I'm on cloud 9."
"We won the event. The team put in the best performance of the season, and we're all on cloud nine after raising the trophy."
"This bed is so comfortable I could just fall asleep right now. I feel like I'm lying on cloud 9."
"I hate to be the one to bring you down from cloud 9, but it's time to go to work. The evening shift starts in an hour."
Origin
The expression "cloud 9" originates from mid-20th century America. It's an evolution of different sayings involving "cloud" and other numbers. In writing, the first use of one of its predecessors occurs in Albin Pollock's "The Underworld Speaks," published in 1935. His book is a dictionary of slang, where the saying appears as follows.
"Cloud eight, befuddled on account of drinking too much liquor."
The Oxnard Press-Courier was the first to publish the correct "cloud 9" expression in late 1946.
"I think he has thought of everything unless the authorities pull something new on him out of cloud nine."
Around the same time, other writers and authors would publish similar ideas. Clouds seven and thirty-nine appeared in articles in The San Mateo Times in 1952 and Ross's Hustlers in 1956.
"Mantovani's skilled use of reeds and strings puts this disc way up on Cloud Seven."
"That stuff is way up on Cloud Thirty-nine."
The use of "cloud 9" became dominant during the 1980s, influenced by pop music and artists like George Harrison and "the Temptations" using it for the titles of their 1987 and 'psychedelic soul' albums in 1969, respectively.
Phrases Similar to Cloud 9
- Nirvana.
- Away with the fairies.
- Over the moon.
- Seventh heaven.
- Top of the world.
Phrases Opposite to Cloud 9
- Hell on earth.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Cloud 9.
Ways People May Say Cloud 9 Incorrectly
The saying has nothing to do with clouds or the number nine. It's a way of describing someone's state of bliss. So, using the phrase to describe the weather or a specific cloud formation would be incorrect. Some people may confuse "cloud 9" with other idioms like "every cloud has a silver lining" or "head in the clouds."
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Cloud 9
You can use the saying "cloud 9" when you're trying to describe a feeling of bliss and ultimate relaxation. You can think of "cloud 9" as a nirvana where you feel happy and content. You can use the phrase when discussing your current state or others'. For instance, if someone asks you how you feel after your crush asks you on a date, you could say you feel like you're on "cloud 9."