[Idiom] "as all get-out"

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Tripp

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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.
 
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
 
Hmm. Good theory.

But why "meta"-euphemism?
 
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 ;-)
 
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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.
 
Hi Tripp

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

Regards
R21
 
I've just never really understood the meaning of "Meta-."
 
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!
 
Tripp said:
I've just never really understood the meaning of "Meta-."
Click to expand...

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
 
I didn't mean to sound so snarky. I was more laughing at myself and the ridiculousness of my situation as I scanned your link with glazed-over eyes -- kind of like when someone tries to talk stock market to me. The truth is I had already consulted my very trusty dictionary (I'm in a long-term relationship with my American Heritage Dictionary) before you sent the link, so my eyes had already begun the journey of rolling to the back of my head. It (the meta-concept) all just seems so vague and nebulous to me. Curse you, BobK, for luring me into this meta-hell! (Can I say that here?)
 
Likewise!
R21
 
Wait for me!:cry:
 
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