Buzz
Happiness is such a remarkable emotion—why settle for just one word to capture it? To celebrate today’s International Day of Happiness, why not expand your lexicon and let the joy flow?
1. CHIRKY
A term from the late 1800s, signifying 'cheerful.'
2. IN HIGH SNUFF
A phrase meaning 'in a good mood,' popular from the late 1600s until the 1930s.
3. OVER THE MOON
Before humans physically reached the moon, this well-loved expression from the 1930s meant 'extremely happy.'
4. GASSED
Initially used to describe 'intoxicated,' by the 1950s, it simply meant 'happy.'
5. TICKLED
As in the phrase 'tickled pink.'
6. MERRY-PIN
Originally referring to being tipsy, this term came to represent having a jolly good time in the 19th century.
7. RICOCHET
In the 1800s, this lively word also signified 'splendid.'
8. ALL CALLAO
This nautical expression from the 19th century referred either to the Peruvian port of Callao or played on the word 'alcohol,' or perhaps both.
9. GAUDEAMUS
From the Latin phrase meaning 'let us rejoice,' this classic term refers to a cheerful celebration.
10. KVELLING
Derived from Yiddish, meaning 'so happy and proud that my heart overflows.'
11. CHUFFED
This modern slang from the UK surely deserves to make its way across the Atlantic.
12. DELIRA AND EXCIRA
An Irish expression meaning 'delirious and excited.' This one definitely deserves to be adopted.
13. GLADSOME
This vintage term from the 14th century doesn't see enough use these days.
14. TO LICK THE EYE
This perplexing 19th-century expression was used to refer to someone who was utterly delighted.
15. COCK-A-HOOP
Derived from the phrase 'to set the cock on the hoop,' which meant to open the tap and let the celebration flow.
