Did a friend tell you they’re going to your favorite restaurant for dinner? You could text them ‘ftw’ as a suitable response. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this acronym. Meaning The acronym ‘FTW’ stands for ‘For the Win.’ It’s a statement of happiness or excitement at something working out as you expect. […]
A la – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a friend invite you to dinner and serve chicken 'a la' king? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'a la' is the shortened version of the French saying 'à la mode de,' translating to 'In the manner of' or 'in the style of' in English. It's a […]
HMU – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the term 'hmu' in the context of a discussion with anyone on social media and would like to know more about what the term could mean? The term 'hmu' is one of the most common text-based abbreviations in direct conversation. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this term. Meaning The […]
A Shot in the Arm – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like an interesting saying that means something was an uplifting or fun experience, and want it to be a saying that people don't use all that often? The saying 'a shot in the arm' might be the perfect fit for what you want to talk about. This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]
To Face the Music – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that it's time to accept the situation, or to reason with the consequences of something that they have done or said? The phrase 'face the music' is a popular term that can be used to tell people this, and it's a popular phrase you will see everywhere from social […]
Don't Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that they are only going to harm themselves through their actions, or just point out that what they are thinking of doing next is going to be something harmful? The phrase 'don't cut off your nose to spite your face' is a common figurative expression that might only make […]
Needs Must – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'needs must' somewhere and would like to know more about what the phrase means in this context, or where it might have originated? The phrase 'needs must' is a less common English figure of speech that seems to be making a comeback. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of […]
At Sixes and Sevens – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the phrase 'at sixes and sevens' somewhere and would like to see some more context behind the meaning and origin of the saying? The phrase 'sixes and sevens' is an English figure of speech that used to be more common in older texts. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the […]
Idle Hands Are The Devil's Workshop – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Would you like to tell someone that they shouldn't let laziness take over their lives, or just point out to someone that they should get up and do something? The phrase 'idle hands are the devil's workshop' is common and means just this, often as an insult. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of […]
Start From Scratch – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you seen the expression 'start from scratch' and would like to know more about what it means and how to use it right? The phrase 'start from scratch' is a common English saying that implies a start from the beginning, or a start with nothing. This post examines the meaning and origin of the […]