Did you suggest going somewhere for dinner, and your partner said, "If I had my druthers," before making an alternate suggestion? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "if I had my druthers" is a combination abbreviation of the words "would" and "rather." So, if you use "if I had my druthers" in a conversation, it means that you would rather be doing something other than what's suggested.
"If I had my druthers" means "if I had my preference," referring to the fact you would rather be doing something else you enjoy instead of what you're doing at the moment. It can also mean you're making a suggestion about doing something other than what people suggest for an activity. The phrase can refer to various activities, from choosing a restaurant to watching a movie.
Example Usage
"If I had my druthers, I would stay home all day and collect welfare checks. Working is overrated, and I'm fine with letting the government support my lifestyle.'
"If I had my druthers, we would have gone to the Caribbean for our vacation instead of Aspen. I prefer warm weather over cold."
"If I had my druthers, we would go to the Chinese restaurant for dinner this evening instead of the Italian joint. I feel like some pork fried rice."
"I like hanging out with him, but if I had my druthers, I'd rather spend my time alone at home. I prefer the peace and quiet over the conversation."
"The movie was okay, but if I had my druthers, we would have gone to see the new Top Gun movie. I prefer action films over romance."
"If I had my druthers, we would have served beer at the event rather than wine. I prefer a nice cold brew over a glass of fermented grape juice."
"I know that's what you wanted, but if I had my druthers, we would have stayed home and watched a movie on TV. I was feeling tired and just wanted to unwind."
Origin
The expression "if I had my druthers" originates from the United States. It's a uniquely American saying and first appeared in the late 19th century. Other countries may not know what "druthers" refers to, and you won't hear European people using this saying.
"Druthers" is an abbreviation of "would rather." The first citation of the expression in American culture is in the Overland monthly and Out West magazine in its January 1870 edition. The saying appears in the story "Centrepole Bill," written by George F. Emery, where it appears as follows.
"If I was a youngster, I 'drather set up in any perfession but a circus-driver, but a man can't always have his 'drathers."
The variation "Druthers" appears six years later, in 1876, in Dialect Notes.
"Bein's I caint have my druthers an' set still, I cal'late I'd better pearten up an' go 'long.
Phrases Similar to If I had My Druthers
- If I had my preference.
Phrases Opposite to If I had My Druthers
- What do you prefer?
What is the Correct Saying?
- If I had my druthers.
Ways People May Say If I had My Druthers Incorrectly
People may use the expression "if I had my druthers" in areas outside the United States where it's relatively unknown. Most European countries won't understand the meaning of the saying as it's a uniquely American phrase.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase If I Had My Druthers
You could use the expression "if I had my druthers" as an alternative to "if I had my preference." It's more common for people in the baby boomer generation to use this phrase, and it's outdated language in the modern vernacular.
"If I had my druthers" suits social and professional use. You could use it at work when offering your opinion to your coworkers or boss. Or you could use it at home when discussing where you want to go on vacation with your family.