Written & Creative Directed by Hope Goodyear

Photography by Tanith Frazier

Graphic Design by Brianna Mote & Hope Goodyear

Makeup by Kylyn Williams

Modeled by Annabella Diaz, Lillian Templeton, Lauren Workman, Aliyah Rivero, Perla Oxlaj Ignacio, & Autumn Adams

Picture this: You’re at a loss for words while talking to a friend. You can’t seem to collect a simple thought to form a satisfactory sentence. Your friend then says, “What, cat got your tongue?” To those of us that may not be familiar with this wacky phrase, a head scratch would only be natural. You might think to yourself, “Why would a cat have my tongue? I don’t even know what that means.” This is because the human language is a complex and intertwined form of expression. That might be hard to wrap your head around, but it’s true! 

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an idiom is “a group of words in a fixed order that has a particular meaning that is different from the meanings of each word on its own.” Basically meaning these figurative, symbolic, and idiomatic meanings are anything but spoken in a literal sense. Non-literal idioms and expressions have adapted into the human language in a creative and (quite honestly) hilarious way to communicate.

To get a grasp on what these unique literal expressions are, we need to go back to where they originated from. Although these idioms all come from different backgrounds, they share a common theme of creation during a time in history where the literal event took place.  For example, the expression “break a leg” dates back to ancient Greece. It is used to wish someone luck, more specifically before they perform in theater. The actors would often bend their knees and take a bow after they performed well. This bow was called a “leg break,” hence the current popular expression.

For our particular idioms showcased in this project, let's dive deeper into their origins and how their literal meanings came to be. The phrase “Lost my marbles” has grabbed my attention because of how unique it is. How do marbles come into play when one loses their mind? It’s actually derived from the 1954 film, “The Caine Mutiny Humphrey.” When visibly stressed in the face of the court, the main character shakes a set of metal balls restlessly. Gary Martin, a writer for “Phrase Finder," says that the main character's performance was so impactful that the phrase became adopted all throughout America.

Another example from this project is the expression, “Hold your horses!” This common phrase is used to tell someone to slow down when they're in a rush or being impatient. It is believed to have come from the early 19th century when horses were used as transportation. The “tow-paths” (roads) would become jammed quite easily and a horse-team leader would yell “hold your horses” to keep the traffic moving. 

Although most non-literal idioms are lighthearted and mild, that doesn’t mean they all are. “Cat got your tongue” originates from medieval times when forms of torture used against sailors that wouldn’t behave. The same punishment was used on those who would lie or tell falsehoods. 

Every expression’s history, both good and bad, holds a unique and fascinating impact on the human language. 

The way we communicate influences the way we feel, act, and think all around the world. Non-literal expressions are a staple of so many different cultures. The way people communicate around the world leads to better understanding of societal standards, principles, and beliefs. When used, idioms open a world of expression. It allows one to summarize a whole idea in just a few words. While language is forever changing, we mustn't forget where our roots intertwine between culture and history. Even though we don’t all speak the same language, we are undeniably connected.

Recognizing how non-literal idioms influence human language through history, culture, and creative vernacular is key to understanding each other as people. The evolution of idioms will continue to grow and impact us in so many ways as human language changes over time. The more we understand it, the greater our abilities enhance towards communicating with one another.  So the next time your friend says, “Hold your horses!” hopefully you won't run to the nearest stable.