piping hot: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘piping hot’ mean?
The idiom "piping hot" means something that is extremely hot or freshly cooked. It is used to describe something that is at its highest temperature or in its optimal condition.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sell like hot cakes" means that something is selling very quickly or in large quantities, often due to high demand or popularity.
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The idiom "run a temperature" means to have an elevated body temperature, usually as a result of illness or infection.
The idiom "right away" means immediately or without delay.
Right away is an English idiom that is commonly used to indicate immediate action or promptness. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 19th century and is still widely used today.
The idiom "razor-sharp" means extremely sharp or precise.
The idiom "quick-fire" means to do or say something very quickly without much hesitation or delay.
The idiom "quick-fire" is often used to describe something that is done quickly or rapidly. It can be traced back several hundred years.
The idiom "pip to the post" means to just manage to surpass or defeat someone at the last moment or in a close competition.
Pip to the post is an idiom used to describe a situation in which someone narrowly wins or achieves something, often defeating a competitor at the last moment or by a small margin. The phrase originates from horse racing and refers to a horse that crosses the finish line just before another horse, securing victory by the narrowest of margins.
The idiom "piping times" means a period of excitement or celebration, often accompanied by joyful music or sounds.
"Picture-perfect" is an idiom that means something is flawless or ideal, resembling a perfect image or picture. It is often used to describe a scene, setting, or moment that is visually stunning and without any flaws or imperfections.
The idiom "on the rise" refers to something or someone increasing in popularity, success, or influence. It suggests a positive upward trajectory or growth in a particular area or aspect.
Fiery Revelation
The idiom "piping hot" has its origins in the late 14th century. It is believed to have come into use around the same time as the word "piping" itself, which is derived from the Old English word "pipian," meaning to "play on a musical pipe." When we say something is "piping hot", it means it is as hot as the steam produced by a musical pipe.
Throughout history, this idiom has commonly been used to describe something that is extremely hot, especially when referring to food or beverages. The use of "piping" emphasizes the idea of heat being so intense that it produces steam, symbolizing freshness and high temperature.
The idiom "piping hot" has been widely adopted into the English language and is commonly used in everyday conversations and written communication. You can find its usage in various contexts, such as cooking recipes, restaurant menus, and culinary discussions.
In addition to its literal meaning, "piping hot" is occasionally used metaphorically to describe a situation or an object that is intense, exciting, or highly stimulating. While this figurative usage is less common, you may encounter it in literature, particularly in descriptive or expressive writing.
It is interesting to note that the idiom "piping hot" is primarily used in American English. Although it may also be understood in other English-speaking regions, its usage is more prevalent and deeply ingrained in American culture. This specificity adds to its characterization as an idiomatic expression.
Let's explore some related idioms that can be used alongside "piping hot".
The first idiom related to "piping hot" is "boiling hot". Just like "piping hot", this idiom refers to something that is extremely hot. "Boiling hot" implies a temperature that is as hot as water that is boiling vigorously.
Another related idiom is "hissing hot". When something is described as "hissing hot", it means the heat is so intense that it creates a hissing sound, similar to water dropping on a hot surface. This idiom adds emphasis to the level of heat.
"hot stuff" is another idiom that can be used alongside "piping hot". This idiom is more informal and is often used to describe someone or something that is exceptional, impressive, or highly skilled. It is used to convey enthusiasm and excitement.
"hot shit" is another idiomatic expression closely related to "piping hot". This idiom is also informal and is used to describe someone or something that is of great significance, importance, or high quality. It implies a sense of superiority or excellence.
Finally, we have the idiom "hotter than a pistol". This expression emphasizes the high level of heat, comparing it to the intense heat generated by a pistol that has recently been fired. It denotes a temperature that is extremely hot and can be used alongside "piping hot" to emphasize the degree of heat.
The idiom "piping hot" has a long history, dating back to the late 14th century. It originated from the Old English word "pipian," which means to play on a musical pipe, and gradually evolved to describe something as hot as steam produced by such a pipe. The idiom is predominantly used to depict food or beverages that are extremely hot, but it can also be applied metaphorically to describe intense or exciting situations. Ultimately, the idiom "piping hot" is a fascinating expression that continues to infuse the English language with a sense of heat, freshness, and intensity.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "piping hot" can be used in a sentence:
- The coffee was piping hot, and burned my tongue when I took a sip.
- She served the pie straight from the oven, and it was piping hot.
- The soup arrived at the table piping hot, steaming and delicious.
More "Temperatures" idioms
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