Explore the origins, semantic nuances, and cultural relevance of the phrase 'deaf as a post,' a simile with roots dating back to the sixteenth century.
The phrase “deaf as a post” is a simile used to describe an individual who is unable to hear or is unresponsive to auditory stimuli. It is often employed in a hyperbolic manner to emphasize the extent of one’s hearing impairment or inattentiveness.
The expression “deaf as a post” has its origins in the sixteenth century. The earliest recorded use is attributed to J. Palsgrave in Acolastus (1540), where it was stated, “He wotteth ful lyttel how deffe an eare I intended to gyue him . . . he were as good to tell his tale to a poste.” This simile gained popularity and has persisted into contemporary usage, outliving other similar expressions such as “deaf as an adder,” which appears in the Book of Psalms (58:4–5), “deaf as a beetle,” and “deaf as a white cat.”
The phrase “deaf as a post” conveys more than mere auditory deficiency; it often implies a willful or obstinate refusal to listen. The use of “post” as a comparison underscores the idea of unresponsiveness, as a post, being an inanimate object, is inherently incapable of hearing. This simile, therefore, carries connotations of both physical inability and metaphorical inattentiveness.
In contemporary culture, “deaf as a post” is frequently employed in informal discourse to describe someone who is hard of hearing or appears deliberately unhearing. It is a staple in literature and colloquial speech, often used humorously or affectionately to describe elderly individuals or those perceived as inattentive.
In professional contexts, the phrase may be used to describe a lack of responsiveness or attention to detail. Socially, it often appears in light-hearted or humorous exchanges. In literature, it may serve as a metaphor for emotional or psychological deafness, illustrating a character’s refusal to acknowledge certain truths.
The phrase “deaf as a post” retains considerable relevance in contemporary language due to its vivid imagery and historical endurance. Its continued usage in both formal and informal contexts suggests a high degree of durability. ★★★★☆
“He wotteth ful lyttel how deffe an eare I intended to gyue him . . . he were as good to tell his tale to a poste.” - J. Palsgrave, Acolastus (1540)