idiom

An Idiom is a word that has different meanings in different locales - Idiom where I'm from means an idiot that tastes good.

I really do like her, but she's the epitome of an idiom.

by DeGuerre April 18, 2023

Idioms

Not rules that you need to live by but things we just kind of say to one another.

Hym Iam "Idioms aught not be a priority for action."

by Hym Iam January 10, 2026

Theory of Constructed Idioms

The idea that common phrases ("it's raining cats and dogs," "break a leg") are miniature cultural constructions. Their meaning isn't literal, but is built and maintained through shared use within a group. To an outsider, they're nonsense. To an insider, they carry condensed cultural knowledge and solidarity. Idioms are proof that even our most casual speech is built on layers of shared, invisible agreement.

Example: "I told my British colleague I'd 'touch base' later. He was confused—was I playing baseball? The Theory of Constructed Idioms kicked in: that phrase is a constructed piece of U.S. corporate-speak, building a sense of shared, casual urgency. My literal words were meaningless; the constructed, agreed-upon meaning was 'I'll update you,' which only works if you're in that specific language club."

by Abzu Land January 31, 2026