PUSH DAISIES Meaning and
Definition
-
Push daisies is a colloquial expression that refers to being dead or deceased. The phrase is a play on words juxtaposing the act of burying someone with the literal action of pushing up daisies, which typically happens when someone has been buried and daisies begin to grow on their grave. The phrase is used humorously and often implies that someone has met an untimely demise or has passed away prematurely.
This idiom has its origins in the early 20th century and gained popularity in American English. The term "push" here is a synonym for "being under the ground" or "being buried," while "daisies" refers to the flowers that commonly grow on graves. When someone is said to be pushing daisies, it conveys the notion that they are no longer alive and have entered the afterlife.
The phrase is used figuratively, particularly in informal conversation or humorous contexts, rather than in official or formal settings. It serves as a euphemistic and light-hearted way to speak about death, often used to lighten the mood or tone of a conversation. However, it is important to note that the phrase could potentially be considered disrespectful or insensitive when used inappropriately, especially in situations involving grief or loss.
Common Misspellings for PUSH DAISIES
- oush daisies
- lush daisies
- -ush daisies
- 0ush daisies
- pysh daisies
- phsh daisies
- pjsh daisies
- pish daisies
- p8sh daisies
- p7sh daisies
- puah daisies
- puzh daisies
- puxh daisies
- pudh daisies
- pueh daisies
- puwh daisies
- pusg daisies
- pusb daisies
- pusn daisies
- pusj daisies
Etymology of PUSH DAISIES
The phrase pushing up daisies or push daisies is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is dead and buried.
The etymology of this phrase can be understood by examining the individual words it contains. Push comes from the Old English word pusian, meaning to thrust, to press. Similarly, daisies refers to the small flowers typically found in grassy areas.
When someone is buried in a traditional funeral, the soil is pushed or thrust onto their grave, and over time, grass, including daisies, may grow on the plot. Hence, the phrase pushing up daisies developed to describe the idea of someone being buried and being under the ground with daisies growing on top.
Push daisies is often used as a slang variation or a playful alteration of pushing up daisies.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
