kidding aside: Idiom Meaning and Origin

kidding aside

"kidding aside" is an idiomatic expression that is often used in informal conversation. It is used to indicate that the speaker is about to make a serious or truthful statement, after having made a joking or lighthearted remark. The idiom is commonly used in the United States and is well-known among English speakers.

The phrase "kidding aside" is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century. It is likely derived from the word "kid" which means to joke or tease. The addition of "aside" emphasizes the speaker's intention to move away from joking and speak earnestly.

When someone uses the idiom "kidding aside," they are essentially asking the listener to take their statement seriously and not as a joke. It serves as a transition from lightheartedness to a more serious or sincere tone. The idiom can be employed in various situations to convey the speaker's desire to be honest and genuine.

The idiom "kidding aside" is often used to preface a statement that contradicts or challenges a previous lighthearted comment. For example, if someone were to say, "I could eat a whole pizza by myself!" and then follow it up with "but kidding aside, I really should watch my portion sizes," they are indicating that they were initially joking about their ability to eat a whole pizza and now want to make a serious statement about their need to be more mindful of their food intake.

It is important to note that "kidding aside" is not always used in a literal sense. The idiom can also be employed to indicate a shift in conversation from a less serious topic to a more significant or urgent matter. In such cases, the phrase serves as a signal that the speaker wishes to discuss something of importance or gravity.

One related idiom that can be associated with "kidding aside" is "all kidding aside." This expression is used to emphasize that the speaker is about to make a serious statement, regardless of any previous jokes or lighthearted remarks. By using this idiom, the speaker wants to ensure that their following statement is taken seriously and not dismissed as mere humor.

Another idiom that relates to "kidding aside" is "make a mountain out of a molehill." This expression means to exaggerate or amplify a minor issue or problem, creating unnecessary drama or stress. When someone says "kidding aside, let's not make a mountain out of a molehill," they are reminding the listener to not blow a small matter out of proportion and to keep things in perspective.

Lastly, there is the idiom "in jest." This phrase is used to indicate that a comment or statement was made in a playful or joking manner, with no serious intent behind it. When someone prefaces a statement with "kidding aside, I said that in jest," they are clarifying that their previous remark was meant purely for amusement and not to be taken seriously.

To sum up, "kidding aside" is an idiomatic expression used to transition from lightheartedness to a serious or sincere tone. It is often employed to indicate that a statement should be taken seriously and not as a joke. Additionally, it can be related to idioms such as "all kidding aside," "make a mountain out of a molehill," and "in jest."