Have Fun Storming the Castle - Meaning, Origin and Usage

Are you looking for a way to tell someone you don't care about a task they told you they have to do? You could always tell them to "have fun storming the castle."

Have Fun Storming the Castle Meaning

If someone tells you to "have fun storming the castle," they're telling you to have fun with what you're doing, but they don't really care what you're getting up to with your life. It's another way of telling people, "good luck with that," or "do your thing."

Typically, when you use it in conversation, you're letting the other person or party know that you don't care what they do. You can also use it when someone tells you that they have to do a task that you are glad you get to avoid, such as scrubbing out the toilet. Since it's a horrible task, you could use the phrase to show your relief that it's not you that has to do the scrubbing.

Example Usage

Kid: "Mom, we're going to the mall to hand out with friends."

Mom: "Okay, have fun storming the Castle."

Employee: "we're going to the staff training this weekend, where here it's going to be a good time."

Boss: "Have fun storming the castle."

Friend: "I'm going to the top of the biggest hill in town to skateboard down it as fast as possible."

You: "Okay, bro, have fun storming the castle."

You: "I've got to go home and mow the lawn, my mom's moaning at me."

Friend: "Bummer for you, have fun storming the castle."

Origin

Have fun storming the castle is an idiomatic phrase originating in the middle ages and modern cinema adaptations. To "storm the castle" means that an invading army would use force to overcome a castle's defenses and capture the structure, forcing unlawful occupation.

The military use of "storm the castle" dates back to the 1600s. The phrase would emerge as a reference to how extreme weather conditions could appear on the sea in a matter of minutes, causing violent destruction to sea vessels and land structures. Sailors and mariners would use it as a way to describe the swift and surprising attack of an enemy, catching them off-guard.

However, the modern origin of the phrase likely comes from the 1987 movie "The Princess Bride." The movie stars Billy Crystal in the cast, and he and his friends go off to storm the castle one day. His parents tell him to have fun storming the castle as he leaves.

A screenshot of Billy's parents waving him off with the words appearing in a caption on the image became popularized on internet message boards and forums, like 4Chan, in the 2010s.

Phrases Similar to Have Fun Storming the Castle

  • Bye Felicia.
  • Good luck with that.
  • You do what you gotta do.
  • Do your thing.

Phrases Opposite to Have Fun Storming the Castle

  • Prepare for the operation.
  • Watch your back.

What is the Correct Saying?

  • Have fun storming the castle.

Ways People May Say Have Fun Storming the Castle Incorrectly

Some people may use the term in the incorrect context. It doesn't describe the act of actually storming anything. There is little chance that the person will experience injury or death from their actions.

Acceptable Ways to Phrase Have Fun Storming the Castle

You can use "have fun storming the castle" in social and professional situations, but it's more common in casual language. You'll be using it as a reference to someone doing something they find exciting that you find boring or mediocre.

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