🏠 Household Word: Every Day Phrases You Can’t Escape 👨👩👧👦
Definition:
A very familiar saying, person, or thing.
Origin:
Although this term was perhaps originated by Shakespeare, it did not come into common use until the nineteenth century. Occasionally used derisively, it has evolved to capture the essence of cultural familiarity.
Related Terms:
- Commonplace: An idea or expression that seems ordinary and widely accepted.
- Proverb: A short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
- Catchphrase: A well-known sentence or phrase, commonly associated with a particular famous person.
Synonyms:
- Familiar expression
- Buzzword
- Catchword
Antonyms:
- Obscure phrase
- Uncommon term
Humor-filled quote:
“Why is a ‘household word’ never about actual housekeeping?” 😂
References in Literature, Songs, and Movies:
-
Literature:
- The Tempest by Shakespeare – “But this rough magic I here abjure…I’ll break my staff…and deeper than did ever plummet sound I’ll drown my book.” (Act 5, Scene 1)
-
Movies:
- Forrest Gump – “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” A household phrase in its own right!
-
Songs:
- The Beatles’ “Let It Be” – “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.”
Proverbs Related to Familiarity:
- “Old habits die hard.” – An expression that suggests ingrained habits are difficult to change.
- “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” – A saying implying it is challenging to change someone’s established ways.
Inspirational Thought-provoking Farewell:
May the phrases that fill your home bring joy in your heart. Continue exploring the magic behind everyday words, and they’ll transform from mere expressions into pieces of timeless art.
### Which of these is considered a "household word"?
- [ ] Photon Trebuchet
- [x] Google
- [ ] Quantum Plumber
- [ ] Scribble Duck
> **Explanation:** "Google" has become a household word, representing not just the company but the concept of searching the internet. The other options, though imaginative, haven't quite reached domestic fame.
### Which term is the best synonym for "household word"?
- [ ] Quantum Spin Cycle
- [x] Catchphrase
- [ ] Infinite Eel
- [ ] Vaporwave Syntax
> **Explanation:** A "catchphrase" is a well-known phrase or saying, similar in recognition and usage to a "household word". The rest, however cool-sounding, are not.
### True or False: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is an idiom
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! This idiom means it is hard for people to change their established habits or learn new things later in life.
