by Jane Allyson

Created on: July 28, 2008   Last Updated: February 24, 2011

Catch phrases are often used as a type of affectionate or gentle put down. They come in useful to describe someone that you want to mention in a derogatory way, but at the same time you don't wish to appear cruel or unfeeling.

They come in useful when talking about a friend or a member of the family, and although considered to be an affectionate phrase, there can be darker meaning attached to them and can be used to undermine someone else's authority or self esteem.

Common catch phrases are:

Gone with the fairies: Errant behavior.

Daft as a brush: A really silly person.

Mutton dressed up as lamb. Making herself look younger than she really is by dressing inappropriately.

Dull as dishwater: An uninteresting person.

The light is on , but there is nobody in: Preoccupied

Mad as a hatter: Outrageous.

Bats in the belfry: Difficult to communicate with.

Doesn't fit the bill: Not the right person for the job.

Talk the hind leg off a donkey: A chatterbox.

Has a brain like a sieve: Easily forgetful

Sick as a parrot: Regretful

Nutty as a fruitcake: Has mental problems.

Put ones foot in it: Said something unfortunate.

Thick as a plank. An uneducated stupid.

Weak as a kitten. Someone who has no strength.

Shrinking Violet. No confidence.

Quiet as a mouse. Very shy.

Green as a cucumber: Inexperienced

Make an exhibition of: To make an unnecessary fuss about something.

Bold as brass: Very confident.

Off woolgathering. Lost in thought.

On another planet: Unconnected from reality.

Once you start looking for these type of catch phrases, you will be surprised at how many there actually are. These are the ones that I just thought of from the top of my head but there are loads more!

Catch phrases pervade our language, and most of us use them every day without even realising, but they are an important way to communicate to others.

Although catch phrases can seem to be a type of "put" down against other people (albeit used affectionately), I feel that they are a necessary part of how we talk, how we interact with other people.

Depending on the tone of voice and body language, using a catch phrase enables us to describe someone without actually having to offer a direct insult towards that person. It indicates that we have certain feelings towards the person with the shortcomings, but it also shows that we still respect that person as an individual.

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