nothing special: Idiom Meaning and Origin

"common or garden variety" is another idiom that is related to "nothing special." This phrase is used to describe something that is ordinary, unexceptional, or typical. It is often used to emphasize the lack of uniqueness or special qualities in something. When someone refers to something as "common or garden variety," they are essentially saying that it is not rare, special, or out of the ordinary.

For example, if someone is talking about a car and says, "It's just a common or garden variety sedan," they are highlighting that the car is a typical, everyday model that can be seen on the roads regularly.

The phrase "common or garden variety" is similar to "nothing special" in that both idioms convey a sense of mediocrity or lack of exceptional qualities. They are used to describe something as ordinary or unremarkable.

"nothing to write home about" is another idiom that is related to "nothing special." This phrase is used to convey the idea that something is not particularly impressive or worth mentioning. When someone says that something is "nothing to write home about," they are essentially saying that it is not noteworthy or exciting enough to share with others.

For example, if someone tries a new restaurant and says, "The food was okay, but nothing to write home about," they are expressing that the dining experience was average and not memorable enough to recommend to others.

The phrase "nothing to write home about" is similar to "nothing special" in that both idioms convey a sense of underwhelm or lack of excitement. They are used to describe something as not particularly impressive or remarkable.

"small change" is another idiom related to "nothing special." This phrase is used to describe something or someone as unimportant, insignificant, or without any significant influence or impact. When someone refers to something or someone as "small change," they are essentially saying that they are not noteworthy or of any particular importance.

For example, if someone dismisses a new hire at work by saying, "They're just small change," they are indicating that the new hire does not possess any exceptional skills or qualities and is not likely to make a significant impact on the company.

The phrase "small change" is similar to "nothing special" in that both idioms convey a sense of unimportance or insignificance. They are used to describe something or someone as not deserving of special attention or consideration.

"no great shakes" is another idiom that is related to "nothing special." This phrase is used to describe something or someone as unimpressive, ordinary, or not particularly remarkable. When someone says that something is "no great shakes," they are essentially saying that it is not exceptional, outstanding, or noteworthy in any significant way.

For example, if someone watches a movie and comments, "It was okay, but no great shakes," they are expressing that the movie was average or mediocre, lacking any standout qualities or memorable moments.

The phrase "no great shakes" is similar to "nothing special" in that both idioms convey a sense of mediocrity or lack of remarkable qualities. They are used to describe something as not particularly impressive or noteworthy.

As with the idiom "nothing special," the idioms "common or garden variety," "nothing to write home about," "small change," and "no great shakes" are all used to describe something or someone as ordinary, unremarkable, or lacking unique or exceptional qualities. They convey a sense of mediocrity or underwhelm. Although they have slightly different nuances and contexts, all of these idioms serve to express the idea that the thing being referred to is not of any particular significance or deserving of special attention.

Whether someone uses "common or garden variety," "nothing to write home about," "small change," or "no great shakes," they are essentially conveying the same message that the thing being referred to is unremarkable, ordinary, or not particularly impressive.

While the origins of these idioms may be uncertain, they have become commonly used in American English to describe things and people in a casual and conversational manner. They allow speakers to express their underwhelmed or unimpressed feelings towards something without resorting to more formal or technical language.

Overall, these idioms related to "nothing special" provide Americans with a range of options to express their sense of something being unimpressive or lacking exceptional qualities. Whether it is described as "common or garden variety," "nothing to write home about," "small change," or "no great shakes," the underlying message remains the same - the thing being referred to is not particularly noteworthy or impressive.