royal bumps: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘royal bumps’ mean?
The idiom "royal bumps" refers to the sensations felt by pregnant women when the baby moves or kicks in the womb. It is a playful way to describe the gentle jolts and movements associated with pregnancy.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "rub in" means to emphasize or remind someone of something, often in a way that causes annoyance or embarrassment.
The idiom "rough trot" refers to a difficult or challenging period of time or situation. It conveys the idea of facing hardships or experiencing a series of problems.
The idiom "quake in one's boots" means to feel very afraid or scared. It is often used to describe a feeling of extreme fear or apprehension. The phrase originates from the physical reaction of trembling or shaking that one may experience when feeling scared or intimidated.
The idiom "pearl-clutchy" refers to someone who reacts with exaggerated shock or moral outrage, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner.
"On the bounce" is an idiomatic expression that means immediately, without delay or interruption, often in a continuous sequence or one after another. It is used to describe things happening quickly and consecutively, especially in a positive or successful manner.
The idiom "on pins and needles" means to feel extremely anxious or nervous, often because of anticipation or uncertainty about something.
The idiom "on a kick" means to be extremely interested or obsessed with something for a specific period of time.
The idiom "oh my" is an expression of surprise or shock, often used in a humorous or exaggerated way. It conveys a sense of astonishment or disbelief in response to something unexpected or extraordinary.
The idiom "oh my goodness" is an expression used to convey surprise, shock, or disbelief in a situation. It is an informal way of expressing astonishment or amazement.
Regal Peculiarities of Royal Bumps
Royal bumps is an idiom in British English that refers to the visible physical symptoms of alcohol abuse. It specifically highlights the swelling on the face and nose that can occur as a result of long-term heavy drinking. The term "royal" in this idiom is used as an intensifier, emphasizing the severity or significance of the bumps.
The idiom is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. Its exact etymology is unclear, but one theory suggests that the term "royal bumps" may have been influenced by the association of excessive drinking with the British royal family during that time period. It was common knowledge that many members of the nobility, including some members of the royal family, had issues with alcohol abuse.
The idiom "bump and grind" is related to royal bumps in the sense that it also refers to physical movement. However, "bump and grind" is typically used to describe a type of provocative dance movement, often associated with sensual or sexual connotations.
The term "bone-shaking" is another related idiom. It is used to describe a rough or bumpy experience, often referring to a particularly rough ride or journey. While royal bumps and bone-shaking might share the word "bumps," their meanings are distinct. Royal bumps refer to physical symptoms of alcohol abuse, while bone-shaking describes a rough experience.
The idiom "bundle of joy" is quite different from royal bumps, both in meaning and tone. "Bundle of joy" is a commonly used phrase to describe a newborn baby. It is often used in a positive and affectionate manner, reflecting the joy and happiness associated with the arrival of a new baby.
Another idiom related to royal bumps is "food baby." This idiom humorously refers to a person's swollen or bloated stomach after eating a large amount of food, particularly during celebratory occasions or holidays. While royal bumps are caused by alcohol abuse, a food baby is a temporary condition resulting from overeating.
While the idiom royal bumps may not be as widely used or recognized in other English-speaking countries, with the spread of global media and cultural influence, it is possible that the idiom has gained some recognition outside of the United Kingdom. Regardless of its recognition or usage, it is important to note that the idiom "royal bumps" is colloquial and may not be used in formal or academic contexts. It belongs to the realm of informal language and is primarily used in casual conversations or storytelling.
Royal bumps is an idiom that refers to the physical symptoms of alcohol abuse, particularly the swelling on the face and nose associated with long-term heavy drinking. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in British English and may have been influenced by the association of alcohol abuse with the British royal family. The idiom provides an intriguing glimpse into the intersection of language, culture, and history.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "royal bumps" can be used in a sentence:
- After their unauthorized fireworks display, the mischievous boys received royal bumps from their disappointed father.
- Once the celebrity was caught shoplifting, her reputation took royal bumps and her endorsement deals disappeared.
- The politician's scandalous affair caused his popularity to take royal bumps, leading to a significant decrease in voter support.
More "slang" idioms
