lathered up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘lathered up’ mean?
The idiom "lathered up" means to become very agitated, upset, or excited about something. It originates from the association between the physical act of lathering soap and the emotional state of being worked up or stirred.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lap up" means to enthusiastically accept or enjoy something, often without much thought or consideration. It is similar to eagerly drinking up or accepting something without hesitation.
Lap up is an idiom that describes someone eagerly or enthusiastically accepting or enjoying something without much consideration or discernment. This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts and can be applied to various situations.
The idiom "in high dudgeon" means to be in a state of extreme anger or resentment.
Originating from the early 19th century, the idiom "in high dudgeon" is used to describe extreme anger or indignation. The word "dudgeon" referred to a small dagger or knife, giving the idiom a sense of intensity and aggression. The exact origins of this idiom are uncertain, but its usage has remained consistent over time.
An idiom used to describe someone who is in an emotional or mental state of extreme agitation, distress, or confusion.
The idiom "hot under the collar" means to become angry or agitated, often due to a frustrating or irritating situation.
The idiom "hot and bothered" means to be agitated, flustered, or excited, often due to stressful or challenging circumstances.
The idiom "hot and bothered" is a commonly used expression in American English, particularly in informal contexts. It is primarily used to describe a state of agitation or frustration. This phrase implies that someone or something is overwhelmed by emotional or physical discomfort, often due to stress or anxiety.
The idiom "go wild" means to become extremely excited or enthusiastic, often losing control of one's behavior or actions.
The idiom "get wet" means to be exposed to or experience something new or unfamiliar, often in a difficult or challenging way. It implies facing a novel situation that may be uncomfortable or outside one's comfort zone.
The idiom "get up the yard" means to become angry or annoyed. It is commonly used to describe someone who becomes frustrated or irritated.
The idiom "get someone's dander up" means to make someone angry or agitated. It implies that something has provoked a person to the point of becoming heated or irritated.
The idiom "get one's undies in a bundle" means to become excessively agitated, annoyed, or worried about something. It implies a state of being overly concerned or worked up over a minor issue or problem.
Surprising Origins
Lathered up is a colloquial English idiom used to describe someone who is agitated, excited, or worked up about something. The phrase is derived from the act of creating a froth, typically with soap and water. However, in this idiom, "lather" is used metaphorically to indicate a state of heightened emotion or excitement.
One possible origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century when lathering up was associated with shaving preparation. In those days, individuals would vigorously rub and agitate shaving soap or cream to create a rich lather before applying it to their face for a smoother shave. This vigorous process may have contributed to the metaphorical usage of "lathered up" to describe someone visibly worked up or agitated.
Another possible origin of the idiom can be linked to the world of boxing, where trainers or cornermen would apply lathered-up towels to a fighter's face between rounds. This practice was intended to refresh the boxer and cool them down, but it also stirred up excitement and anticipation among spectators. This association between lathering up and heightened excitement may have influenced the broader usage of the idiom.
The idiom could also have evolved from the expression "lathered with sweat," which referred to someone perspiring profusely. Sweating heavily is often accompanied by a sense of exertion or intense physical effort, which could have been metaphorically extended to describe someone emotionally or mentally worked up.
Overall, "lathered up" has multiple potential origins, each connected to agitation, excitement, or heightened emotion. While the exact source of the idiom is uncertain, its usage and understanding among English speakers have become well-established over time. Whether rooted in the world of shaving, boxing, or the expression of physical exertion, the idiom continues to vividly and expressively convey a state of heightened stimulation or agitation.
When we explore related idioms, we find "boil up" and "caught up." These idioms share similarities with "lathered up" in terms of describing heightened emotion, excitement, or agitation.
The idiom "boil up" is used to describe a situation or emotions that reach a boiling point. It suggests a state of intense heat or pressure, similar to the frothing or bubbling that occurs when water comes to a boil. In contrast to "lathered up," "boil up" implies a more explosive or volatile state of agitation or excitement.
On the other hand, the idiom "caught up" conveys a sense of being carried away or absorbed in something, often to the point of losing track of time or forgetting other commitments. While it may not necessarily imply agitation or excitement in the same way as "lathered up," the concept of being "caught up" can evoke a similar state of heightened emotion or engagement.
"lathered up" is an idiom that describes someone who is agitated, excited, or worked up about something. Its origins can be traced back to shaving preparation, boxing, or the expression of physical exertion. This idiom has become well-established in colloquial English, conveying a state of heightened stimulation or agitation. When compared to related idioms like "boil up" and "caught up," these phrases share a common theme of describing heightened emotion, excitement, or engagement.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *lathered up* can be used in a sentence:
- After running for an hour, I was completely lathered up with sweat.
- The politician's speech had the crowd lathered up with excitement.
- She was lathered up with anxiety before her big job interview.
More "Emotions" idioms
