- Meaning
- This idiom describes someone who is energetic, lively, or full of enthusiasm, often with a sense of playful or irrepressible vigor. It suggests a state of high spirits or vitality, as if fueled by an abundant source of energy, like beans. The phrase is used in social, familial, or casual contexts to compliment or describe someone’s zest, carrying a cheerful, affectionate tone. It reflects cultural associations of beans with sustenance and energy, often evoking a youthful or spirited demeanor, and can occasionally imply slight mischief or exuberance.
- Origin
- The phrase likely originated in 19th-century Britain, tied to the slang use of ‘beans’ for energy or spirit, possibly from the nutritional value of beans in diets. An early use appears in an 1843 *Punch* magazine article, describing a lively child as ‘full of beans.’ The idiom gained traction in Victorian England, reflecting a love for vivid expressions, and was popularized in American English by the early 20th century, as seen in P.G. Wodehouse’s *Jeeves* stories. Its use grew during the 1920s, particularly in descriptions of spirited youth, and spread through media and literature. The phrase’s playful imagery and positive connotations ensured its enduring use, especially in British and American English.
- Variants
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- Full of beans
- Full of vim and vigor
- Chock full of beans
- Bursting with beans
- Examples
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- The kids were full of beans, running around the park all afternoon.
- She’s chock full of beans today, dancing through her chores with a smile.
- Full of vim and vigor, he tackled the new project with unstoppable enthusiasm.
- Bursting with beans, the puppy zoomed around the yard, chasing its tail.
- He’s full of beans after his morning coffee, ready to lead the team meeting.
- The team was full of beans, celebrating their victory with wild cheers.
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