No Great Shakes
Nothing special; ordinary. There are several theories as to the origin of this term, which dates from the early nineteenth century. One holds that it comes from sailors shaking a cask, that is, dismantling it and picking up the staves, or shakes, which then had little value. Another believes it comes from shaking dice with only a poor result. Whichever is true, it was transferred to anything deemed mediocre by about 1800, as in, “I’m no great shakes at braggin” (John Neal, Brother Jonathan, 1825).
Related and Similar Terms
Mediocre: Of only moderate quality; not very good. Run-of-the-mill: Ordinary, average; not special in any way. Fair to middling: Adequate but not good. Second-rate: Of mediocre or inferior quality.
Synonyms
- Average
- Ordinary
- Unremarkable
- Everyday
Antonyms
- Exceptional
- Extraordinary
- Outstanding
- Remarkable
Humor-Filled Quotes
“I may be no great shakes, but I sure can stir things up!” – A Procrastinating Bartender
Literary References
Brother Jonathan by John Neal (1825): Neal uses the phrase “I’m no great shakes at braggin” to indicate someone who doesn’t excel at boasting, portraying them as mediocre at it.
Thought-Provoking Proverbs
- “A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one.” – Mary Kay Ash
- “Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius.” –Arthur Conan Doyle
Must-Read Books 📚
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger: An inspiring tale of an intricately painted yet seemingly “ordinary” summer in 1961. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides: A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel exploring how family secrets affect identity and ordinariness.
Movie Recommendations 🎥
Groundhog Day (1993): A story about living and reliving the “ordinary” day until achieving personal enlightenment. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013): A visually stunning film highlighting the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Thought-Provoking Farewell
Is mediocrity a resting place or a state of being? Every day we decide whether to dwell in the valley of “no great shakes” or to climb towards the peaks of greatness. Learn from the average to appreciate the extraordinary.
