Tuesday 11 November 2008

I'm full of beans!



So, what did that phrase mean to you?


After eating lunch, I told the people at the food place that I was now ready for the afternoon, "I'm full of beans!"I told them. Actually I was, literally, having just eaten a load of refried beans, among other things!


Now, for me, this saying means that I am full of energy, ready to go, etc.


But the woman in the shop told me that I had just declared that I was "full of sh&%"! Or "full of hot air"!
Now I have never heard this one before, but it does make sense now that I think about it.
So, if I walked up to you and told you I was "full of beans", what would YOU think?

18 comments:

Teresa said...

My first thought is to take it literally...and anyone who is 'full of beans' at one point is usually 'full of GAS' in about an hour or so!

But...I've also heard of that phrase being used as to say "you're full of crap...or...nonsense" but that was more of a phrase that an older generation would use...like my grandparents generation.

Very interesting! I love to learn about how the same phrase takes on much different meanings in far away places. Fun!

Rock Chef said...

Teresa - Full of GAS - I guess that is the link to "full of crap"! Interesting that this form is used by older people. Makes me wonder how it came into use over here - did the GIs tell Brits that they were "full of beans" as an insult, with the Brits thinking it sounded like a GOOD thing?

Kimberly McKay said...

To me that means don't stand down wind....you might toot!
:)

Rock Chef said...

Wornoutwoman - There we go - another one seeing this as a bad thing!

James said...

To me full of beans means full of energy ready to go. Most peeps in england would say the same.

Rock Chef said...

James - Thank you - this does seem to be one of those things that does not translate across The Pond!

Kate said...

full of crapola~ guess that got lost in translation over the Atlantic.

Ali said...

Full of beans in these parts means that you're making stuff up, pulling my leg, that sort of thing.

Claire said...

Full of beans always meant being mischievous in our family - see that look in the little boy's eyes in your picture?

terri said...

I always knew that phrase to mean "full of sh*t." Funny. I've never heard any other interpretation. It's obviously a regional thing!

Unknown said...

I agree... full of "excrement" is how I've always taken it.

Chris said...

I'd also think "full of gas" and then politely ask you to leave the room before releasing it...
Either that, or I'd laugh my head off!!

Um Naief said...

i'd think you were full of crap! ;)

or gassy.... ;)

kenady said...

full of sh*t

i will use it now though, to mean full of energy and see what kind of responses i get from the peeps over here... this ought to be fun!

mr zig said...

I would at first take it literal - then wonder what it really meant - then I would wish I had beans - mmmm beans

Rock Chef said...

Miss got wings - You can say that again!

Ali - So it is that north of the border too!

Claire - I guess that is half and half isn't it? Nicer than Full of Crap!

Terri - I clearly does vary - I am used to odd words having different meanings but I am more surprised about a phrase. I like the alternative, I must say! I can insult people without them realising it! :-)

Darrin - At first I read your definition as Full of Excitement - but no :-)

Chris - I can picture that!

Um Naief - Yep!

Kenady - Just don't go saying it to customers! "Hello Mrs Smith, you look full of beans today!"

Zig - So it isn't a phrase that you know? Interesting!

Ali Kat said...

Logzie, I guess I could be your grandparent, 'cause I would think it means "full of shit"! Oops, I'm a country girl, so shit isn't a swear to me ;)

CRC - I'm alive and well, I know I've been neglectful of my own blog, but I'm always keeping up with reading everyone else's. Thanks for the concern :D

Sitting In Silence said...

I'd be thinking baked beans as in you had just eaten half a tin...LOL..