spick and span: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘spick and span’ mean?
"Spick and span" is an idiom that means extremely clean and tidy.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the bee's knees" means that something or someone is exceptionally excellent, impressive or of high quality.
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
The idiom "teeny weeny" means something extremely small or tiny.
The idiom "take out the trash" means to remove or eliminate something or someone undesirable or unnecessary.
The idiom "take care of business" means to handle or complete necessary tasks or responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
The idiom "sweep out" means to remove or get rid of something completely, typically in a forceful or decisive manner.
The idiom "sweep away" means to completely remove or eliminate something, often in a forceful or dramatic manner.
The idiom "Sunday best" refers to one's most formal or best attire or clothing, typically worn on Sundays or for special occasions.
The idiom "sugar and spice" refers to the combination of sweet and pleasant traits, typically associated with young girls. It represents the notion of femininity and is often used to describe a person, particularly a young girl, who is sweet, charming, and well-behaved.
Immaculate and Pristine
Spick and span is an idiom that means something is extremely clean and tidy. The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it has been used since the 17th century.
One theory suggests that "spick and span" may have come from the Dutch phrase "spek en span," which means "bacon and eggs." This phrase was associated with cleanliness and orderliness because bacon and eggs were seen as luxurious and special. Over time, "spek en span" may have become anglicized to "spick and span."
Another theory relates the idiom to the nautical world. The terms "spick" and "span" were used to describe a new ship that was clean and ready for its first voyage. This connection to cleanliness may have expanded the use of the phrase to describe anything that is neat and tidy.
Regardless of its origins, "spick and span" is widely understood and used today. It is commonly used to describe a space or object that has been thoroughly cleaned and organized. For example, someone might say that a newly renovated house is "spick and span," meaning it is immaculate and in perfect order.
This idiom is particularly relevant in today's society, where cleanliness and hygiene have become increasingly important. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has heightened people's awareness of the cleanliness of their surroundings. "Spick and span" is a concise and vivid way to describe something that is not only clean, but also free from clutter or mess.
The continued popularity and usage of the idiom "spick and span" demonstrate its lasting appeal. Cleanliness and orderliness are universally valued, and this phrase captures that concept in a concise and memorable way.
"Spick and span" is just one of several idioms that convey the idea of cleanliness and tidiness. Another common phrase is "spic and span," which is similar in meaning to "spick and span." Both idioms describe something that is extremely clean and neat.
Similarly, the idiom "neat and tidy" is often used to describe something that is well-organized and free from clutter. It conveys the same sense of cleanliness and orderliness as "spick and span."
The phrase "clean house" is another idiom related to cleanliness. It can be used literally to refer to the act of cleaning one's house, or it can be used figuratively to mean getting rid of unnecessary or unwanted things. In both cases, the idiom conveys a sense of tidiness and order.
Lastly, the expression "spiff up" is often used when someone wants to improve the appearance of something, be it a person, a room, or an object. It means to clean, tidy, and make something presentable. When someone spiffs up something, they are ensuring it is spick and span.
The idiom "spick and span" is a widely used phrase that describes something that is extremely clean and tidy. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it has been in use for centuries and continues to be relevant today. The phrase captures the enduring importance of cleanliness and orderliness in our society.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "spick and span" can be used in a sentence:
- After hours of cleaning, the house was spick and span for the party.
- The car showroom was always kept spick and span to attract customers.
- She arrived at the meeting in a spick and span suit, looking very professional.
The idiom "spick and span" is often used to describe something that is clean, neat, and tidy. It can refer to a physical space, such as a house or showroom, or to someone's appearance, like a suit. The phrase implies that great effort has been put into making the object or person immaculate.
More "Cleanliness" idioms
