💞 Head Over Heels (In Love), To Be/Fall
So completely that one is upside down. This expression started its adventurous life as “heels over head,” which makes much more sense if you’re thinking literally about being topsy-turvy. It first appeared in print in a collection of Early English Alliterative Poems dating back to ca. 1350. Fast forward 400 years and an unknown poet gave this expression a literal yet humorous twist in The Contemplative Man (1771): “He gave [him] such an involuntary kick in the face as drove him head over heels.”
This quirky corruption stuck. The current sense of the term, infused with the intoxicating whiff of romantic fervor, didn’t cement itself into language until the 19th century. David Crockett’s Narrative of the Life of David Crockett (1834) introduced us to tender turmoil: “I soon found myself head over heels in love with this girl.”
Related and Similar Terms
- 💘 Love-Struck: Totally captivated by love.
- Synonym: smitten
- 🌪 Over the Moon: Extremely pleased or happy.
- Contextually similar but relates to intense happiness.
- 💓 In Seventh Heaven: Blissfully happy, often from romantic attachment.
- Antonym: heartbroken
- 🌟 Lost in Love: To be so infatuated everything else fades away.
- Related expression: lovesick
- 💞 Swept Off Your Feet: Completely beguiled, enamored, taken by love.
Humor-Filled Quote
“Falling head over heels in love is like skydiving without a parachute but hoping the landing will be soft and cushiony.” — Anonymous
Proverbs & References
- “Love makes the world go round.”
- Beethoven’s letters to “Immortal Beloved”
Recommended Reads:
- 📚 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- 📖 The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Recommended Movies:
- 🎥 Romeo+Juliet (1996)
- 🎞 The Princess Bride (1987)
Recommended Songs:
- 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
- 🎶 “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
Quizzes
Inspirational Farewell:
Go forth and let your feelings of love turn you “head over heels” in all the right ways, just make sure your heart stays right side up! 🌟💘
