Explore the origins, historical context, and contemporary usage of the phrase 'split one's sides,' a classic expression denoting uproarious laughter.
To laugh uproariously or uncontrollably. This expression is a hyperbolic way of describing laughter so intense that it feels as though one’s sides might physically split apart.
The phrase “split one’s sides” traces its origins to the seventeenth century, where it began as a vivid hyperbole for intense laughter. The concept of laughter causing physical harm is evident in early usage, as seen in Thomas Brown’s Saints in Uproar (1687), where he writes, “You’d break a man’s sides with laughing.” The specific word “split” was integrated into the expression somewhat later. Notably, Charles Dickens employed the phrase in The Old Curiosity Shop (1840): “He bade fair to split his sides with laughing.” Similarly, Harriet Beecher Stowe used it in Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852): “I laughed fit to split.” These literary instances underscore the phrase’s enduring presence in English literature.
The phrase “split one’s sides” functions as a hyperbolic idiom, emphasizing the intensity of laughter. It conveys not just the act of laughing but an overwhelming, uncontrollable mirth that borders on the physically impossible. The expression implies a shared social experience, often used to describe situations where humor is communal and infectious.
In contemporary culture, “split one’s sides” remains a popular idiom, frequently appearing in both spoken and written forms to describe moments of extreme humor. Its usage is prevalent in literature, film, and casual conversation, often invoked to highlight the comedic nature of a story or event. For example, comedic films and performances might be described as “side-splitting” to indicate their humor’s effectiveness.
In professional settings, the phrase might be used more sparingly, as its hyperbolic nature is suited to informal or light-hearted contexts. In literary or historical contexts, it often appears in narratives to convey a character’s reaction to humor. Socially, it is used to describe shared experiences of laughter, enhancing the sense of camaraderie.
The phrase “split one’s sides” continues to be relevant in modern language due to its vivid imagery and emotional resonance. Its durability as an expression of laughter is rated at ★★★★☆, indicating its strong presence in both contemporary and historical contexts.
“He bade fair to split his sides with laughing.” - Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop (1840)
“I laughed fit to split.” - Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852)