phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Fun

Posted by Markitos on August 08, 2001

In Reply to: Fun posted by ESC on August 08, 2001

: : Hence the term barrell of fun..where does it come from what purpose was it used for.

: I am guessing that it is a variation of this expression:

: FUNNY AS A BARREL OF MONKEYS - "One monkey arouses a great deal of amusement. Two or more then double the interest and amusement. If one were to release a barrelful (barrel full) of monkeys, we must suppose that their antics would become hilariously comical. The expression is common among children." From 2107 Curious Word Origins, Sayings & Expressions from White Elephants to Song and Dance by Charles Earle Funk (Galahad Books, New York, 1993).

Yah, perhaps, but the phrase is generally used ironically to mean the opposite of fun. For instance, "How was your IRS audit, Earl?" "It was a barrel of fun."

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.