Slower than Molasses 🐢
Definition: To be extremely slow or lethargic, often used to describe a person or process that is moving at a frustratingly slow pace.
Origin: American in origin, this simile gained popularity in the mid to late nineteenth century. It conjures a stark image for those who have had the (mis)fortune of trying to transfer cold molasses from one container to another. Notably featured in an 1880 monologue by J.W. McAndrews, “He’s slower than molasses,” it vividly captures the exasperation typically felt in such slow-paced situations.
Synonyms:
- As slow as a snail
- Moving at a snail’s pace
- Sluggish
- Languorous
- Tardy
Antonyms:
- Fast as lightning
- Quick as a flash
- Speedy
- Swift
- Rapid
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “If you were any slower, you’d be moving backward!”
- “You’re moving slower than a tortoise on vacation.”
Proverbs & Idiomatic Expressions:
- “All good things come to those who wait” (Patience is often necessary for worthwhile outcomes, even if slow progress is frustrating).
- “Rome wasn’t built in a day” (Big things take time).
Literature & Cultural References:
- “The Tortoise and the Hare” (a classic Aesop’s fable highlighting the contrast between steady, slow progress and overconfidence)
- “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy (Known for its leisurely narrative pace)
- Song: “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce (Conveys the delicate and sometimes slow passing of moments)
- Movie: “Zootopia” (Features the unforgettable and hilariously slow DMV sloth, Flash)
Farewell Note ⏳
As you navigate through the labyrinth of language, remember that sometimes, a slow journey permits the savoring of moments. Embrace the leisurely pace of ‘molassian’ progress and relish every step of this rich, syrupy adventure. 🌻
A. R. Langourat, October 2023
