no great shakes: Idiom Meaning and Origin

No great shakes is an idiom commonly used in American English to describe something or someone as nothing special. It is a phrase that conveys a sense of mediocrity or lack of distinction. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the world of gambling, where "shake" referred to a throw of dice. A great shake was considered to be significant and impressive, while a small or mediocre shake was seen as less remarkable.

Today, the idiom "no great shakes" is used figuratively to describe someone or something that is not particularly exceptional or remarkable. It is often used in a negative sense, indicating that the person, object, event, or situation is ordinary or unimpressive. For example, one might say "The movie was no great shakes" to express that the movie was nothing to write home about, meaning it was not remarkable or noteworthy.

The idiom "nothing to write home about" is similar in meaning to "no great shakes." Both phrases convey a sense of nothing special or unimpressive. However, "nothing to write home about" adds a touch of informality and emphasizes the lack of distinction or excitement. It is often used to express a lack of enthusiasm or excitement about something. For instance, one might say "The food at that restaurant was okay, but nothing to write home about."

Another related idiom is "no biggie." This phrase is even more informal and casual in tone than "no great shakes." It is commonly used to downplay the significance or importance of something. "No biggie" is often used to dismiss a problem or difficulty as unimportant or easily manageable. For example, if someone spills a drink, they might say "No biggie, I'll clean it up."

As an experienced Editor for HubSpot, it is important to not only understand these idioms but also to apply them effectively in your editing work. When improving articles, you can use these idioms to add conversational and informal elements to the text. They can be used to convey a sense of mediocrity or lack of distinction in a friendly and approachable manner.

When editing articles, make sure to follow AP style guidelines to maintain clarity and consistency. Avoid introductory or summary paragraphs and get straight to the point. Use short sentences and simple words to make the text more readable. Vary the language in each paragraph to keep the reader engaged and avoid repetition. Change the structure of the article to improve its overall readability.

Remember to write in a conversational style with a friendly and informal tone. This will create a more engaging experience for the reader and make the article feel more approachable. Use active voice to make the writing more direct and concise.

Additionally, keep in mind that your audience is well-informed and knowledgeable. Therefore, it is important to provide accurate and reliable information. Be concise in your editing work and focus on improving the clarity, structure, and style of the article.

"no great shakes" is an idiom commonly used in American English to describe something or someone as unimpressive or ordinary. Its origins in the world of gambling and its figurative usage over time have contributed to its widespread usage today. It can be related to idioms such as "nothing special," "nothing to write home about," and "no biggie." As an experienced Editor for HubSpot, incorporating these idioms in your editing work can enhance the conversational and informal elements of the articles you edit.