👏 Bully For You: Antique Cheers and Whistles from Yesteryear 🎉
Definition:
“Good for you/him/her/them” uses the adjective “bully” in the sense of “fine” or “excellent.” Originating from Middle English term “bullē”, it signifies superior qualities. Though it has British roots, it became popular in the United States during the Civil War era. Today, it’s less commonly heard and potentially drifting toward linguistic extinction.
Synonyms:
- Bravo!
- Well done!
- Hats off!
- Kudos!
- Kudos to you!
Related Terms and Proverbs:
- “Pat on the back”
- “Three cheers for you”
- “Give a nod”
- “Take a bow”
Modern Equivalents:
- “You rock!”
- “High five!”
- “Way to go!”
Antonyms:
- Boo!
- Shame on you.
- That’s awful.
- Disappointed in you.
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Bully for you? More like border bulldozer completely fine by me!” — W.T. Wittywords
- “Why say ‘bully’? Unless you’re a time traveler, just stick with ‘Good job.’” — Anonymous
- “Bully for you! But for me? I’ll pass.” — Cynical Simon
Suggested Reading:
- Literature: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (authentic use of Golden Age parlance)
- Books: The Civil War Dictionary by Mark M. Boatner (to understand period dialect)
- Songs: We Are the Champions by Queen (an anthem of triumph)
- Poetry: If— by Rudyard Kipling (full of encouragement and old-world charm)
- Movies: Dead Poets Society (“carpe diem” embodied, classics included!)
Quizzes:
### Which of these is a genuine cheer from old-fashioned English?
- [ ] Hurrah with macaroons
- [ ] Cheers with cheddars
- [x] Bully for you
- [ ] Hip hip hocus pocus
> **Explanation:** "Bully for you" is the genuine old-fashioned cheer used to show approval or admiration. The rest are delightful nonsense.
### True or False: "Bully for you" was popular during the Civil War era.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true! This phrase was in its prime during the Civil War, serving as a way to commend someone's fine actions or qualities.
### Which phrase means the same as "bully for you"?
- [x] Hats off!
- [ ] Time out!
- [ ] Bowl over!
- [ ] Tip the scales!
> **Explanation:** "Hats off!" is a phrase that means the same as "bully for you," showing respect or commendation. The other options don't match.
### Which expression did NOT come from Middle English?
- [x] Time travel applause
- [ ] Bully for you
- [ ] Huzzah!
- [ ] Well met!
> **Explanation:** "Time travel applause" is a whimsical fabrication, while the other choices have their roots in Middle English or historical expressions of commendation and greeting.
Dive into the annals of language history, my friend, where every turn of phrase has a story, every idiom a birthplace, and every obsolete phrase waiting for a fresh breath. Keep celebrating words and giving those vintage cheers another run. 👏
Penny P. Plaudit
