Where did the expression off your rocker come from?

This expression originated near the end of the 1800s. Off is a common beginning to expressions signaling mental problems. In some cases, one might simply say, “Something about him seems off.” The reason for rocker appearing in the expression is unclear.
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What does expression off my rocker mean?

If you say that someone is off their rocker, you mean that that person is behaving in a very strange or silly way.
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What does rocker mean in slang?

insane; crazy: You're off your rocker if you think I'm going to climb that mountain.
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What is a rocker British?

informal. a member of a group of young people, especially in Britain in the 1960s, who wore leather clothes, rode motorcycles, and listened to rock and roll music: Seaside towns such as Margate and Brighton were infamous for violence between mods and rockers in the 1960s.
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What music did 60s rockers listen to?

Musically there was not much common ground. Rockers generally favored 1950s rock and roll, mostly by artists like Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent Mods listened to 1960s ska music, soul and R&B, as well as British bands such as The Who, The Yardbirds and The Kinks.
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English slang lesson - Off your rocker



What is the meaning of Bob's your uncle?

Definition of and Bob's your uncle

British, informal. —used to say that something is easy to do or use Just complete the form, pay the fee, and Bob's your uncle!
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What does up the creek without a paddle mean?

In trouble, in a serious predicament, as in If the check doesn't arrive today I'm up a creek, or The car wouldn't start, so I was up the creek without a paddle. This slangy idiom conjures up the image of a stranded canoeist with no way of moving (paddling) the canoe. President Harry S.
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What does he's gone off his rocker?

The phrase 'off one's rocker' is used to say that someone is insane or not thinking properly. Example in use: “If you think that you are going to win the jackpot this week, you are off your rocker.”
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What is tickled pink?

Definition of tickled pink

informal. : very happy or amused I was tickled pink to see her.
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What does the idiom I'm on the fence mean?

not able to decide something: Many consumers are still on the fence, waiting for a less expensive computer to come along. Todd's still sitting on the fence, trying to decide which school he wants to go to.
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What does off the rails mean?

Definition of go off the rails

: to lose control and start to behave in a way that is not normal or acceptable He was a promising student but he went off the rails after he started taking drugs.
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What is the meaning of fish out of water?

A person away from his or her usual environment or activities. For example, Using a computer for the first time, Carl felt like a fish out of water, or On a hiking trail, Nell was a fish out of water. This expression alludes to the fact that fish cannot survive for long on dry land. [ Late 1300s]
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What does the phrase down for the count mean?

Definition of down for the count

: knocked down and unable to get up again before the referee counts to 10 The boxer was down for the count.
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What means out on a limb?

In a difficult, awkward, or vulnerable position, as in I lodged a complaint about low salaries, but the people who had supported me left me out on a limb. This expression alludes to an animal climbing out on the limb of a tree and then being afraid or unable to retreat. [ Late 1800s]
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Why is Fanny your aunt?

Used as a humorous response to the phrase "Bob's your uncle," which is used to emphasize how easily or quickly something can be done. Primarily heard in UK, Australia.
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Where does the phrase can't cut the mustard come from?

WHEN MUSTARD was one of the main crops in East Anglia, it was cut by hand with scythes, in the same way as corn. The crop could grow up to six feet high and this was very arduous work, requiring extremely sharp tools. When blunt they "would not cut the mustard".
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Where did cut the mustard originate?

Cut the mustard appears to be an American original. Evidence for the phrase can be found in a Galveston, Texas newspaper in 1891–92.
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What does bend over backwards mean?

Exert oneself to the fullest extent, as in Dad bent over backwards so as not to embarrass Stasia's new boyfriend. This phrase transfers the gymnastic feat of a backbend to taking a great deal of trouble for someone or something.
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What do you mean by double-talk?

Definition of double-talk

1 : language that appears to be earnest and meaningful but in fact is a mixture of sense and nonsense. 2 : inflated, involved, and often deliberately ambiguous language. Other Words from double-talk Synonyms Learn More About double-talk.
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What does drive a hard bargain mean?

Definition of drive a hard bargain

: to be very determined to get what one wants when discussing something and especially a business deal You drive a hard bargain, but I'll accept your terms.
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What does a hard nut to crack mean?

Definition of a hard/tough nut (to crack)

: a person or thing that is difficult to deal with, understand, or influence The team's defense is a tough nut to crack. The problem is a hard nut to crack. He's a tough nut, but I think I can get him to agree to the contract.
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What's the meaning of bitter pill to swallow?

An unpleasant fact, disappointment, or humiliation that is difficult to endure. For example, Failing the bar exam was a bitter pill to swallow, but he plans to try again next year. [ Late 1500s]
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What does the expression losing my marbles mean?

Definition of lose one's marbles

: to become insane When he started ranting about how the government was out to get him, I thought he'd lost his marbles.
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What does fly under the radar mean?

Fly-under-the-radar definition

To go unnoticed , especially for a long period of time.
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What does it mean to jump off the deep end?

Idiom: go/ jump off the deep end / jump in at the deep end. to take drastic action or react to something in an irrational or crazy way. to start doing something new or different without thinking carefully about it or without preparation.
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