🌟 Taking a Shine: Discovering Affections and Attachments 🌟

Unpacking the surprising and delightful origins of liking someone or something — how we 'take a shine' and the history behind this charming phrase.

Taking a Shine: Discovering Affections and Attachments 🌟

To “take a shine” to something or someone means to develop a liking or affection towards them. This delightful phrase is rooted in nineteenth-century American colloquialism, making its print debut in 1839. Despite the murky waters surrounding its exact origin, it remains a vibrant part of American lexicon, imparted with warmth and sincerity.

L. Meynell charmingly showcased its usage in Papersnake (1978): “He took a shine to you.” Whether it’s a sudden interest in a new hobby, an instant connection with a new friend, or an affable likeliness towards a golden retriever, we all ’take a shine’ in different ways!

Falling for – To fall in love or develop a deep affection.
Entranced by – Captivated or intrigued by someone or something.
Growing fond of – Gradually developing care or affection.
Developing a taste for – Starting to appreciate or like something.
Getting attached – Forming an emotional bond.

Synonyms

Fancying
Liking
Caring for
Appreciating
Adoring

Antonyms

Disliking
Loathing
Detesting
Abhorring
Hating

Inspirational and Witty Quotations

✨ “The moment you take a shine to life’s little delights, that’s where the magic happens.” – Serendipity Stevens

🔥 “I never met a colander that didn’t take a shine to pasta. Be like the colander—embrace what you love!” – Chefsensei McCuisine

Proverbs and Expressions

“Love at first sight.” – A sudden, immediate attraction to someone or something upon the first encounter.
“Got a soft spot for.” – To have a particular fondness or affection for someone or something.
“Hit it off.” – To get along well almost immediately.
“Find someone/something irresistible.” – To be unable to resist liking someone or something.

Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies

Literature: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Song: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Poetry: “Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare
Movie: Amélie (2001)

Quiz Time! 📚📝

### What does it mean to "take a shine" to someone? - [x] Develop a liking for them - [ ] Flash a light on them - [ ] Polish their shoes - [ ] Compete against them > **Explanation:** To "take a shine" to someone means to develop a liking or affection for them. ### Which expression means the same as "taking a shine"? - [x] Growing fond of - [ ] Getting cold feet - [ ] Barking up the wrong tree - [ ] Biting the bullet > **Explanation:** Growing fond of means developing a liking or affection, similar to "taking a shine." ### True or False: 'Taking a shine' is a nineteenth-century American colloquialism. - [x] True - [ ] False > **Explanation:** True! It appeared in print in 1839 and is an American colloquial expression. ### Which of these idioms is related to developing a liking for someone? - [x] Fall head over heels - [ ] Kick the bucket - [ ] Spill the beans - [ ] Playing hard to get > **Explanation:** "Fall head over heels" means to fall deeply in love or develop a strong liking for someone or something. ### Finish the phrase: "He took a shine ___ her." - [x] To - [ ] For - [ ] At - [ ] With > **Explanation:** The correct phrase is "He took a shine to her."

Farewell

May you always ’take a shine’ to the wonderful intricacies of life and language. Dive into every new word with curiosity and let the charm of clichés light your path. Until next time, word lovers!

– W. T. Wittywords

Published on 1st October 2023