tonsil hockey: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tonsil hockey’ mean?
The idiom tonsil hockey refers to a passionate and prolonged kiss, typically involving the use of tongues. It is a playful and humorous way to describe a passionate make-out session.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "wicked tongue" refers to someone who has a sharp or hurtful way of speaking, often intentionally using their words to criticize or hurt others.
The idiom "to the bone" means to do something to an extreme or exhaustive degree.
The idiom "toothpaste is out of the tube" refers to a situation where something has been said or done that cannot be undone or taken back, similar to how toothpaste cannot be put back into its container once it has been squeezed out. It emphasizes the irreversibility of certain actions or words.
The idiom "tooth-and-nail" means to fight or compete fiercely and aggressively, using every means necessary to achieve victory or success.
Tonsil tennis is an idiom referring to an intimate activity between two people involving deep kissing or making out. The term likens the movement of tongues during kissing to the game of tennis where the tonsils, located at the back of the throat, are "hit" or touched by the tongues.
The idiom "tongue-in-cheek" means to say something in a humorous or sarcastic way, not to be taken seriously.
The idiom "to death" means to an excessive or exaggerated extent, often to the point of becoming tiresome or irritating. It is used to convey the idea of repetition or overdoing something to the point of annoyance.
The idiom "tits up" is a colloquial expression that refers to a situation or event turning out badly or failing completely. It is often used to describe a situation that has gone wrong or not as planned, and is considered vulgar and informal in nature.
The idiom "tit for tat" means to respond to an action with a similar action, often used when two individuals take revenge or fight against each other.
The idiom *till death do us part* is often used to express the idea of a commitment or promise that is meant to last for a lifetime, typically in the context of marriage.
Origins & Implications
Tonsil hockey is an idiom used in colloquial American English to describe a passionate kiss. The term originated in the 1970s and is derived from the medical term "tonsillectomy," the surgical removal of the tonsils. This idiom emphasizes the intense and deep nature of a particular kissing style, comparing it to a surgical procedure.
The exact origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in teenage slang or as a euphemistic expression among young adults. Tonsil hockey is thought to have gained popularity through informal conversations, especially in American high schools and colleges.
The idiom is often used humorously or playfully to describe a particularly passionate or intense kissing session. It implies a session of prolonged and intricate tongue-to-tongue contact, as though the participants' tongues were engaging in complex maneuvers akin to a sport or dance. The use of the term "tonsil" adds a comical touch, as tonsils are glands located at the back of the throat and have no direct connection to kissing.
Tonsil hockey is primarily used in informal settings, especially among friends or in romantic contexts. It may create a light-hearted and flirtatious atmosphere or express enthusiasm and excitement for an enjoyable or intimate interaction. As with many idioms, the meaning and usage of tonsil hockey may vary among different social groups or age cohorts. It may also be subject to regional variations in certain parts of the United States. Nonetheless, the idiom has endured over the years, solidifying its place in American culture and language as a vivid and expressive way to describe a passionate kiss.
"tonsil tennis" is another idiom related to tonsil hockey. It refers to the same act of passionate kissing, using the metaphor of a tennis match to describe the back-and-forth motion of the participants' tongues. This playful term adds a competitive element to the act, as though the participants are engaged in a heated game of tongue-based tennis.
"tongue-in-cheek" is an idiom that can be used to describe a humorous or ironic statement or action. While it is not directly related to tonsil hockey, it shares the same playful and lighthearted tone that is often associated with the idiom. This idiom suggests that the person using it is being intentionally tongue-in-cheek, implying that their words or actions should not be taken literally but rather as a form of witty or sarcastic expression.
"throw a kiss" is an idiom that refers to the action of blowing a kiss to someone. Although it is not directly connected to tonsil hockey, both idioms involve a form of romantic or affectionate gesture. While tonsil hockey involves physical contact, throwing a kiss emphasizes the symbolic nature of affection and is often used to express love or fondness when physical proximity is not possible or when a more subtle display of affection is desired.
"tooth-and-nail" is an idiom that means to engage in a fierce or determined struggle or fight. While it may not seem directly related to tonsil hockey, both idioms share a sense of intensity and passion. Tonsil hockey can be seen as a metaphorical battle between tongues, while "tooth-and-nail" describes a figurative battle using teeth and nails. Both idioms convey a sense of fierce determination and strong emotions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *tonsil hockey* can be used:
- "I saw them playing tonsil hockey at the party last night."
- "They couldn't keep their hands off each other and started playing tonsil hockey in the park."
- "I can't believe they were caught playing tonsil hockey in the office!"
More "Slang" idioms
