Over the Moon – Meaning, Origin & Usage
Have you ever heard someone exclaim that they are ‘over the moon’? Needless to say, the saying has nothing to do with being in outer space. In this article, I’m going to explain everything. From what the phrase means and how it originated and beyond. You will learn how and when to use the phrase as well as some alternative phrases that you can use in place if you so wish. By the end, you’re sure to feel like an expert.
And without further ado, let’s get straight to it.
What is the meaning of the phrase ‘over the moon’?
People often use the phrase and idiom ‘over the moon’ to express how they feel when they are beyond happy and/or elated, and/or incredibly pleased and joyful.
The saying is a form of hyperbole, and the idea behind it is that it expresses a heightened elation in good spirits that is not normally ever attained. (This is especially true when you consider the context of when the phrase first originated, which leads us nicely onto our next section.)
What is the origin of the phrase ‘over the moon’?
The saying ‘over the moon’ originated in England, UK, and is believed to be many centuries old. It comes from a children’s nursery rhyme, which goes:
‘High diddle diddle,
The Cat and the Fiddle,
The Cow jump’d over the Moon,
The little dog laugh’d to see such Craft,
And the Dish ran away with the Spoon.’
The words of the rhyme are nonsense words with no discernible meaning, and it was just said for entertainment value. The rhyme is thought to be derived from the 16th century, when it was predominantly spread and delivered by word of mouth. It wasn’t until the year 1760 or so that we have a sighting of it in print, specifically in a nursery rhyme collection titled ‘Mother Goose’s Melody’.
A further early allusion to the phrase comes from Charles Molloy’s ‘The Coquet’ or, ‘The English Chevalier’ which was published in 1718, and it has written:
“Tis he! I know him now: I shall jump over the Moon for Joy!”
Despite its aged origins, however, the saying didn’t really take off in popularity until the 1970s, which is commonly attributed to the UK publication ‘Private Eye’ which is a satirical and current affairs news magazine.
How and when to use the phrase ‘over the moon’?
‘Over the moon’ is a lovely phrase for expressing joy and elation, and it tends to go down very well when it’s used as intended. You can feel free to use it in both professional and personal circumstances alike, although I will hasten to add that it’s generally considered informal language.
That said, however, there are also occasions when the phrase is used sarcastically, when what someone really means is the exact opposite. This is referred to as using the saying ironically.
When using the phrase for its original meaning, it’s used to convey how happy someone is that something has gone the way that it has.
What are some other ways of saying ‘over the moon’?
If you’re ever unsure of how the phrase ‘over the moon’ will be received, for example if it results in confusion, then there’s no need to worry, because there are an abundance of words and phrases that you can use in its place if you so wish. Here are some examples for you to consider using:
- I/she/he/they am/is/are absolutely elated
- I/she/he/they couldn’t be any happier
- I am so, so happy about how well this has turned
- Phew, close call but we got there in the end
- That’s the best news I/he/she/they could have hoped for
- I/he/she/they couldn’t have hoped for better
- I’m so happy I could burst
- This is the happiest day of my life
Final word
So, to sum up, the phrase ‘over the moon’ is a saying that’s many centuries old and is believed to have derived from the sixteenth century in a popular children’s nursery rhyme, called High Diddle Diddle, which features a cow jumping over the moon.
The idiom is used to express how someone feels when they are beyond happy and/or elated, and/or incredibly pleased and joyful. The idea behind it is that it expresses a heightened elation in good spirits that is not normally ever attained. This is known as hyperbole.
It’s a phrase that typically goes down particularly well with the person or people on the receiving end in all manner of different settings. The exception occurs when the phrase is used ironically, and the person really means the opposite of the original meaning.
