Explore the meaning, origins, and cultural significance of the phrase 'everything but the kitchen sink' in this comprehensive dictionary entry.
The phrase “everything but the kitchen sink” denotes an inclusion of nearly everything conceivable, often extending to items that are both appropriate and inappropriate for the context. It conveys a sense of thoroughness or excessiveness in accumulation or inclusion.
The origins of “everything but the kitchen sink” are somewhat nebulous, yet it is believed to have emerged in the early twentieth century. The phrase gained widespread popularity in the post-World War II era. Its usage is documented in various sources, including a notable mention in the Wall Street Journal in 1958, which highlighted the military’s tendency to include an exhaustive array of features in weaponry: “[We] military services . . . are such perfectionists that we want everything but the kitchen sink in a weapon.”
Semantically, the phrase suggests an overabundance or exhaustive inclusion. It is often employed to describe situations where an excessive amount of items or elements are gathered or considered, often to the point of impracticality. The phrase can carry both a humorous and a critical connotation, depending on the context.
In contemporary culture, “everything but the kitchen sink” is frequently used in both casual and formal discourse to emphasize the extent of inclusion or preparation. It appears in various media, including literature, journalism, and film, often to underscore the idea of excessiveness or comprehensive coverage.
The phrase is versatile, finding relevance in diverse contexts such as:
The phrase “everything but the kitchen sink” remains relevant in modern discourse due to its vivid imagery and versatile applicability across contexts. Its durability can be rated as ★★★★☆, indicating a strong likelihood of continued usage.
“The novelist’s imagination was boundless; she included everything but the kitchen sink in her intricate plot.” - Anonymous Literary Critic