Have you ever been called a green-eyed monster? Perhaps you have heard this phrase in passing and wondered what it means. If you want to know more about the phrase green-eyed monster and how to use it, you are in the right place. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase green-eyed monster is meant to express jealousy. It means specifically personified jealousy in a person. Being jealous is a uniquely human emotion that can cause even the tamest of people to act out of character. The phrase means the rageful or angry reaction that is caused by jealousy and is left unchecked. Jealousy, which is attached to the phrase green-eyed monster can only be applied to emotions, not possessions.
A green-eyed monster also means that a person is filled with some form of emotional rivalry. For example, two siblings caring for the same person can result in one being taken over by the green-eyed monster when that affection is unequally reciprocated. Envy, which is commonly mistaken for jealousy, can only be applied to objects or possessions, not emotions.
Example Usage
“Jane is such a green-eyed monster, she always has an attitude whenever someone else gets praise”.
“If you have negative thoughts when you see others happy, you may have a green-eyed monster lurking within”.
“There is nothing more unattractive than a pretty woman who is nothing but a green-eyed monster inside.
“It takes a lot of time and effort to get rid of the green-eyed monster that lives within all of us”.
Origin
The phrase green-eyed monster was first seen in 1595. The play, The Merchant of Venice, which was released in 1596 by Shakespeare was the first written account of the phrase and was used to describe jealousy in a manner that only he can. In 1604, Shakespeare then went on to use the phrase in the famed play Othello in which he referred to the green-eyed monster. In this play, the green-eyed monster was personified as jealousy and the description allowed the audience to better shape their perceptions of the idea.
In the play, the green-eyed monster was a sharp-fanged monster with an ugly visage. It was shown in feeding on people who had hidden feelings of jealousy. In the play, Iago warned Othello that the green-eyed monster will eat the source of those feelings.
Phrases Similar to Green-Eyed Monster
- Green with envy
- Jealous
- Butt-hurt
- Debbie-downer
- Buzz kill
Phrases Opposite to Green-Eyed Monster
- Admiration
- Understanding
- Pride
- Unconcern
- Compersion
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is - green-eyed monster.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Green-Eyed Monster
Many people assume that envy and jealousy are the same. In fact, too often the words are used interchangeably when the swap is incorrect. Saying someone is green with envy is not the same as being a green-eyed monster. So, if the idiom green-eyed monster is used in the place of envy, it will be considered incorrect.
Some ways that green-eyed monster is used incorrectly are:
- Every time I get a new eye shadow pallet my roommate turns into a green-eyed monster.
- I hate that I become a green-eyed monster when I see others shopping for new clothes.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Green-Eyed Monster
Some ways that green-eyed monster is used correctly are:
- It is important to teach your kids about the green-eyed monster early on so they can avoid becoming one.
- There is nothing worse at a special event than a loud-spoken green-eyed monster.
- Be careful about letting the green-eyed monster rear its ugly head, jealousy is not a good look on anyone.
- Those automatic thoughts of putting others down when you see them happy is nothing but the little green-eyed monster that lives inside of everyone.