The phrase “whatever floats your boat” is rarely about floating boats. Confused? Then this is the article for you - we’re going to cover everything you need to know on the subject. What it means, how it originated, why it caught on, how to use it (featuring examples), and finally, similar and synonymous phrases. Let’s get straight to it.
What does the phrase “whatever floats your boat” mean?
The phrase “whatever floats your boat” is an idiom, which means that it’s not understood by the combination of individual words alone but must be interpreted as a whole. It basically means whatever you prefer, or whatever makes you happy or brings you joy.
How did the phrase “whatever floats your boat” originate?
The phrase “whatever floats your boat” likely has nautical roots, stemming from the world of ships and sailing, with sailors and shipbuilders understanding that their job was to keep boats afloat to be useful. The phrase is believed to have evolved into its figurative in the United States
Why is the phrase “whatever floats your boat” so popular?
The phrase “whatever floats your boat” has grown in popularity over the years, and this may be due in part to the fact that it rhymes, making it an easy phrase to say, remember, and pass on.
How to use the phrase “whatever floats your boat” - featuring examples
The phrase “whatever floats your boat” is somewhat informal and casual, which means that it’s not suitable for use in business or academic writing.
It’s not an inherently rude phrase to use, but you should still be cautious about using it because it could come across as dismissive, showing a lack of interest in another person’s choice or preference.
Here are some whole sentence examples of the phrase in use to aid your understanding:
- You can choose any ice cream flavor you like, whatever floats your boat!
- It’s not something I would have chosen for myself, but if that’s what you like, whatever floats your boat.
- That willpower-based weight loss strategy wouldn’t work for me, but I’m glad it does for you - whatever floats your boat as they say.
Similar, alternative phrases to “whatever floats your boat”
There are a great many phrases that are similar and synonymous to the phrase “whatever floats your boat”. Here are some examples you may wish to consider using in its place:
- Whatever tickles your fancy
- Whistle your own tune
- Have a blast
- Whatever you need to survive
- To each their own
- Do what you will
- Live as you please
Final word
Simply put, the phrase “whatever floats your boat” is an idiom which means whatever makes you happy or brings you joy, or whatever you prefer. The phrase suggests that different things work better for different people, and it implies that this is something that should be of no concern to anyone else. The phrase likely has nautical origins, stemming from sailors and shipbuilders understanding that their main job was to keep boats afloat, almost regardless of how they do so.
