Pushing Daisies – Meaning, Origin & Usage
If you didn’t know already, “pushing daisies” is not just the name of a hit TV show! In this article, we will unpack what it means, and how it may have originated before going into how to use the phrase correctly. Finally, then, we will round off similar and synonymous phrases that can often be used in its place. Let’s get to it!
What does the phrase “pushing daisies” mean?
The phrase “pushing daisies” is derived from the phrase “pushing up daisies”. Both phases are euphemisms with the same meaning. They simply refer to someone who is dead and buried.
Or in other words, someone who has passed away, or crossed to the other side, which are also euphemisms for death.
The historical origins and context of the phrase “pushing daisies”
The English phrase “pushing daisies” is believed to have come about through British soldiers during World War 1. The euphemism is a metaphor that alludes to flowers growing over a grave.
Daisies are a common wildflower that can readily grow in various conditions, including cemeteries, and they are widely considered a symbol of innocence and purity, especially in Celtic mythology.
The first recorded use of the phrase “pushing up daisies” (which means the same as “pushing daisies”) was in an anti-war poem penned by Wilfred Owen around 1918.
Similar euphemisms exist in other languages, for example, in French, there’s “manger les pissenlits par la racine” which means ‘to eat the dandelions by the root’, in
German there is “die Radieschen von unten betrachten” which means ‘look at the radishes
from below’, and in Hungary, they say “alulról szagolja az ibolyát”, which means‘smell the violet from below.
How to use the phrase “pushing daisies” in conversation with examples
It is considered acceptable to use the phrases “pushing daisies” and “pushing up daisies” in polite company, including in front of children, since it is a polite way of referring to death, or someone being dead, without having to say the actual words.
Here are some examples of the phrase in use:
- We’ll all be pushing up daisies by the time this trade deal goes through.
- I’d rather be pushing daisies than dating her.
- I wouldn’t say that if I were you – you’ll be pushing daisies before your time.
Similar and synonymous sayings to “pushing daisies”
There are many words and phrases that can often be used in place of “pushing daisies”, some of which were alluded to earlier. Here’s a small list for you. Some are also euphemisms and others are more direct.
- Dead and buried
- Long gone
- Passed away
- Crossed over
- Crossed over to the other side
- In heaven
- With the angels
- Six feet under
Final word
So, in summary, the phrase “pushing daisies”, like “pushing up daisies” is a metaphor and euphemism for death, or being dead. The origin of the phrase in English is believed to have originated in World War I, when daisies grew where men were buried. Daisies are a common wildflower and they are widely considered a symbol of innocence and purity.
