no spring chicken, she’s 🐥
No spring chicken, she’s – No longer young. This unflattering remark has been made since the early eighteenth century and, as far as can be gathered, is applied mostly to women. Men seldom are accused of aging in just this way. In print, it appeared (without “spring”) in Addison and Steele’s The Spectator (1711) and soon after was taken up by Jonathan Swift in Stella’s Birthday (1720): “Pursue your trade of scandal-picking, Your hints that Stella is no chicken.”
Synonyms:
- Over the hill
- Past one’s prime
- Not a spring chick
- Aging gracefully (a kinder alternative, perhaps?)
Antonyms:
- Spring chicken
- Fresh-faced
- Young at heart
- In bloom ⚡
Similar Expressions:
- Long in the tooth
- Getting long in the tooth
- No longer a pup
- Seen a few snowflakes (globally inclusive!)
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “You may be no spring chicken, but you still know how to cluck with the best of them!”
- “Who needs spring when you’re an eternal summer?”
Proverbs:
- “Old age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill.” – Anonymous
- “Youth is wasted on the young.” – George Bernard Shaw
Literature and Media References:
- Young at Heart by Frank Sinatra (Song)
- On Old Age by Cicero (Book)
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Movie)
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Book) - A reflection on growing older and life’s journey.
Inspiration:
Remember, being “no spring chicken” means you have amassed a treasure trove of experiences, wisdom, and stories. Embrace your feathers, whether freshly sprouted or softly molting.
🐔💭 “Age isn’t just a number, it’s a testament to all the flights you’ve taken and all the ground you’ve scratched.” 💭🐔
🦉 Until next cluck, remember that every feather you grow adds to the beauty of your personal story. Age gracefully and continue to strut through life with confidence. – Ima Wordsmith
