"as all get-out"

**Tripp** · 18-May-2011, 05:04

I am looking for the origin of the expression "...as all get-out," as in "He was lazy as all get-out!"

Also, although I know how to use this phrase in context, I am wondering if anyone can offer a succint definition.

Thanks.

**BobK** · 18-May-2011, 10:18

I don't know - but I'd guess that 'get-out' is a sort of 'meta-euphemism' that lets the speaker get out of saying 'Hell'.

b

**Tripp** · 18-May-2011, 12:09

Hmm. Good theory.

But why "meta"-euphemism?

**BobK** · 18-May-2011, 13:21

To get out of saying 'dead' you say 'passed away': that's a euphemism.
To get out of saying 'hell' you say 'get out'; you might as well say '...as all "euphemism"'. Hence my choice of words.

b

PS ... but it's not a term recognized in any theoretical discourse community. I just made it up

**Barb_D** · 18-May-2011, 14:13

I use "as all get out" frequently. It simply means "to a very great degree."

He was mad as all get out! = He was really, really mad!
Oh, don't ask her. She's as mean as all get out! = She is really mean and won't help you.

I don't know its origins or how it came to mean this, but I do use it.

**Route21** · 18-May-2011, 14:23

Hi Tripp

I'm with BobK on this one - never ever come across it in BrE.

Regards
R21

**Tripp** · 18-May-2011, 14:56

I've just never really understood the meaning of "Meta-."

**Route21** · 18-May-2011, 15:43

Originally Posted by Tripp

I've just never really understood the meaning of "Meta-."

Try:
meta- - definition of meta- by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.
Regards
R21

**Tripp** · 19-May-2011, 01:58

Did you actually look it up yourself at that link? Tell me which definition you think applies best (I challenge you). But you know, that's not the important point of the my thread, as I already understand the idiom in context. What I am most interested in is the derivation of the phrase. Many "figures of speech" can be traced back to their roots - some logical, some quirky and fun. I was hoping to find that here. Keep your thinking caps on, y'all!

**Route21** · 19-May-2011, 02:17

Originally Posted by Tripp

I've just never really understood the meaning of "Meta-."

In answer to your question, in researching my answers I always check out any suggested links before even thinking of framing a possible answer.

I just provided the link to potentially help you better understand the possible meanings/nuances of "meta-".

As BobK which one applies to his post.

R21

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