What is the meaning of the phrase ‘empty shell of a person’?
Someone who seems (or feels) empty inside, retaining only an outward appearance. (Usually meaning devoid of emotions, personality, or purpose. Like an empty husk or vacant shell.)
What is the origin of the phrase ‘empty shell of a person’?
The word ‘empty’ is derived from the Old English words ‘ǣmtiġ’, or ‘ǣmettiġ’ which translates as “without must or obligation, leisurely”, which can be interpreted as without purpose and meaning.
In Middle English the word had become ‘emty’, or ‘amty’. Then, over time, the meaning of the word ‘empty’ changed to mean ‘devoid of contents’. As time went on further, the word ‘empty’ began being used figuratively rather than merely literally, so that it could be used to describe how someone feels empty of their hopes, dreams, energy, personality, lust for life, and so on.
The phrase ‘empty shell of a person’ emphasises that while someone may feel empty on the inside, their outward appearance remains the same. Much like a shell from which a mollusk once lived.
What are some notable uses of the phrase ‘empty shell of a person’?
While this precise use of the phrase ‘empty shell of a person’ isn’t always used, the idea of someone being a hollow version of their former selves is often seen in popular culture, including in the films American Beauty and Fight Club, and in the TV series Breaking Bad and Mad Men.
The theme also crops in songs, such as Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” and Radiohead’s “No Surprises”.
In literature the theme comes up again and again, including in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell.
