📚 A Hole in the Head: Unwanted Necessities and More 🚫
Ever had that nagging sense that something in your life is about as necessary as a screen door on a submarine? Well, you’re not alone. Let’s address the concept of utterly superfluous items—those dazzling doodads no one wants or needs, often hilariously highlighted through the ages, from John Ray’s proverbs of the 1600s to World War II American slang.
What is it anyway? 🧐
“A hole in the head”—an American slang expression from the 1940s encapsulates this idea with flair. The notion is simple: it likens unnecessary or unwanted things to having an extra hole in one’s skull—absolutely needless!
Similar Expressions Around the Globe 🌍
England: “As much need of it as a toad of a side pocket”
Classic English never disappoints in painting visual analogies. Seriously, can you picture a toad—it being a toad—requiring a side pocket? Genius.
Olde England: “As much need on’t, as he hath of the pip, or of a cough”
Circa 1678, “pip” referred to a kind of swelling illness in poultry. This phrase emphasized the absolute lack of necessity one has for certain afflictions.
U.S. Military Humor 😂
Even the military got in on the fun. In 1944’s “Best from Yank,” they laughed it up, claiming, “The Partisans need chow-chow like they need a hole in the head.” Chow-chow in this case wasn’t the relish, but junk supplies they could readily do without.
Similar Terms, Modern Relatives
- “Need it like a fish needs a bicycle” – An iconic feminist slogan, attributed to Irina Dunn in 1970.
- “Useless as a screen door on a submarine” – Just imagine the water flow!
- “As useful as a chocolate teapot” – Sounds tasty but anything but practical.
Dive Deeper 📖
Want to dive more into absurd and dramatic phrases? Check out these reads:
Literature
- “The Hatchet Job” by Mark Kermode - For understanding film reviews in witty recounts, similar to how one might review our phrase.
Movies
- “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975) – Packed with nonsensical and redundant objects (and whims), it’ll keep you laughing.
Vocabulary Quiz Fun 🎉
Always ready to challenge yourself?
May our linguistic journey unveil how intriguing language can be, reminding us all humor isn’t just about words—it’s life’s spice. Here’s wishing you movies with chocolate teapots, languages with toads in festive wear, and a correspondence free from holes in the head.
Inspirational Thought: 💡 “Language is wine upon the lips.” – Virginia Woolf
Bon voyage in your verb adventures! 🌍
Warmly, 🖋️ Ima D. Sayner Publishing Date: October 1, 2023
