fair to middling
Fair to middling - So-so, moderately good, a reply to “How are you?” Since “fair” and “middling” here mean the same thing—that is, pretty good or mediocre—the expression is basically jocular. It originated in the mid-nineteenth century, probably in America. An early citation in the OED is from Artemus Ward’s His Travels (“The men are fair to middling,” 1865). See also can’t complain.
Related and Similar Terms
- Can’t Complain: A phrase used humorously to indicate that although things aren’t perfect, they’re tolerable.
- Synonyms: Could be worse, Could be better, Middling
- Antonyms: Excellent, Awful
Thought-Provoking Farewell
Remember, being fair to middling just means you’re trying, and let’s face it, the world could use more triers. Mediocrity doesn’t rob you of greatness—it just hasn’t found its spotlight yet.
Literature and Cultural References
Let’s take a wander down mediocrity lane:
- Books: “Notes from a Small Island” by Bill Bryson—a journey through the ordinary alleys of Britain.
- Movies: “Office Space”—A cult classic movie that warms the spirit of the fair to middling.
- Music: “Ordinary World” by Duran Duran 🎶 — An anthem for the moderate and mundane.
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost 🛤️— A ponder upon everyday decisions that aren’t necessarily spectacular but shape us nonetheless.
Fun With Fairness Quiz
### Which of these could be a humorous reply to "How are you?" - [ ] Pretty fabulous - [x] Fair to middling - [ ] Magnificently mediocre - [ ] Terribly wonderful > **Explanation:** You're spot-on with *Fair to middling!* It’s a tried-and-true idiom for indicating you’re doing okay-ish. ### Identify the term that describes mediocrity. - [ ] Pearl of passion - [ ] Shining brilliance - [x] Fair to middling - [ ] Top-notch > **Explanation:** *Fair to middling* is indeed the term that perfectly captures mediocrity, modest success, or so-so situations. ### True or False: Mediocrity means excellence. - [ ] True - [x] False > **Explanation:** False. Mediocrity is the realm of the average, the middle ground between poor and excellent.
Elias B. Penman | 2023-10-01
Remember, even in the mediocrities of life, there’s a heartwarming constancy. Because, after all, what’s wrong with being casually content? 🌟
