What does “tall drink of water” mean?
A “tall drink of water” defines a tall and attractive person. When someone says someone is a “tall drink of water,” “tall glass of water,” or “long drink of water,” they’re usually complimenting them—they think they’re physically appealing. They’re exclaiming that the person is slim, tall, long-legged, and beautiful. In other words, it’s an informal way to say, “Whoa, you’re tall,” or “Hey, you’re pretty!” This phrase or idiom can still be found in some of today’s pop culture. For example: In the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption, Morgan Freeman’s character (Ellis) refers to Tim Robbins’ character (Andy) as a “tall drink of water with a silver spoon up his [butt]” to describe Andy’s fine appearance. The 2002 Rascal Flatts song “Dry Country Girl” has the lyrics, “A tall drink of water in a cotton dress. That preacher’s daughter, she sure is blessed.” In Disney’s Tangled, one of the thugs says when laying eyes on Mother Gothel, “Whoa! Somebody get me a glass because I just found me a tall drink of water.” An idiom is a phrase where the individual meaning of the words in the phrase cannot simply define the meaning of the phrase as a whole.
“Tall drink of water” can be an offensive comment. It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone views this phrase as a compliment. Some find the idiom offensive and derogatory, as it’s most commonly used to objectify women and comment on their physical stature. This is possibly the original meaning and tone of the phrase, as scholars have recorded that in early history, the phrase suggested weakness and vitality. Because of this, it’s vital to remain respectful if you do choose to use it, especially when telling a woman she’s attractive.
“Tall Drink of Water” History & Origins
In 1904, a newspaper described a baby as a “long drink of water.” Possibly the first written record of the phrase, a newspaper in Huron, SD, from May 7, 1904, mentions a frail baby as “not much larger than a long drink of water.” This can be assumed to refer to the baby’s short stature or small size.
In 1920, a character was nicknamed “Long Drink of Water.” Novelist Robert Ritchie published a novel titled Trail to Two Moons in 1920. The story follows a man named Jack Sumner who explores the American wilderness. On his journey, Jack meets several individuals, including a man he nicknames “Long Drink of Water” in reference to his sickly appearance: “after his fiery interview with Von Tromp, Strayman said casually to his assistant—A-Long-Drink-of-Water the town dominated this spare, rather sickly young man.”
In 1963, Billboard magazine called Ruth Gillis a “tall drink of water.” The first complementary appearance of the phrase is believed to appear in Billboard’s 1963 September 14th issue. An article highlighting actress Ruth Gillis describes her as “a tall drink of water with an excellent voice and delivery, is also a delight.”
In 1924, George Sainsbury described the idiom as silly and “esoteric.” Sainsbury’s 1924 work A Last Scrap Book mentions the use of a “long drink of water” extensively. It is in this reference that a “long drink of water” or “tall drink of water” is used to describe an unhappy-looking man: “We turn, my brethren, to the other incident, and the sole utterance of any note in it is the description by one member of another as ‘You great big long drink-of-water!’ There may, of course, have been some esoteric meaning in this. Even exoterically, if the accuser intended to intimate the superiority of whisky to water or the necessity of a coalition between two things…But how flat it is, flat as is not even every drink of water! How destitute of the slightest laughter-provoking quality!”
How to Use “Tall Drink of Water”
Use “tall drink of water” to describe someone tall and attractive. While this idiom isn’t as widely used today, it’s still an excellent way to define someone’s appearance more metaphorically. If you see someone with lengthy limbs and overall fine physique, consider describing them to a friend as a “tall glass of water.” As mentioned above, be careful when using this phrase, as some may find it offensive or derogatory. To avoid offending anyone, ensure that you use a positive tone and don’t make any obscene gestures or comments about the person’s body.
Similar Idioms
“Tall drink of water” isn’t the only idiom you’ll find in the English language. Over the years, countless idioms have been recorded and used. Some of those include: “A dime a dozen”: Something common “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”: You can offer someone something, but you can’t make them take it “Cutting corners”: Doing something poorly to save time or money “Let the cat out of the bag”: Give away a secret “Drink like a fish”: Drinking too much alcohol “Like a fish out of water”: Feeling uncomfortable in a situation “Tall story”: A story that’s not true or unbelievable “Water under the bridge”: Something that belongs in the past that isn’t important anymore “Beating around the bush”: Someone is avoiding something directly “It’s raining cats and dogs”: It’s raining heavily
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