The phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" is a colorful idiom that means including or involving nearly everything possible. It is often used to express an excess or abundance of something. But where did this quirky idiom come from? Let's delve into its etymology to find out.Etymology of "Everything but the Kitchen Sink"
The meaning of the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" is quite literal. It refers to including every possible item or element, leaving out only the kitchen sink. This idiom is often used to emphasize the vastness or completeness of something.Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Idiom Meaning
The origin of the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" can be traced back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated in the United States, specifically during World War II. At that time, soldiers were often given kits with various items for their daily needs. The kits were known as "kitchen sinks" because they were thought to contain everything but the kitchen sink.Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Origin and Meaning
The definition of the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" has evolved over the years. It has come to mean including everything possible, even unnecessary or excessive things. The origin of this idiom may have been influenced by the fact that kitchen sinks were often the last item to be installed in a new home. So, if everything was included except the kitchen sink, it meant that everything else was already in place.Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Definition and Origin
The phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" gained popularity during World War II when soldiers would receive kits with various items for their daily needs. These kits were often referred to as "kitchen sinks" because they contained almost everything a soldier could need. This is believed to be the origin of the phrase, as it was used to describe a complete and all-inclusive kit.Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Phrase Origin
The idiom "everything but the kitchen sink" is often used to express an abundance or completeness of something. It can also imply that something includes unnecessary or excessive elements. This playful phrase has become a common way to describe a situation or object that is packed with a variety of things.Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Idiom Definition
It is believed that the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" was first used in the early 1900s. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that it gained widespread usage. During World War II, soldiers were often given kits that contained all their basic needs. These kits were referred to as "kitchen sinks" because they were thought to include everything but the kitchen sink.Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Origin and History
The meaning of the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" has expanded over time. It is no longer limited to physical objects but can also be used to describe a situation or event. For example, if someone says, "I brought everything but the kitchen sink to the party," it means that they have brought a lot of things and are well-prepared for any situation.Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Phrase Meaning
The origin of the idiom "everything but the kitchen sink" may have also been influenced by the fact that kitchen sinks were often the last item to be installed in a new home. This meant that everything else was already in place, and the only thing left to add was the kitchen sink. This further solidifies the idea that the phrase is used to describe something that is complete or all-inclusive.Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Idiom Origin
The etymology of the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" is quite straightforward. It is believed to have originated during World War II and was used to describe a kit that included all the necessary items, except for the kitchen sink. Today, it is used to describe something that is complete or inclusive of everything possible, including unnecessary or excessive elements.Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Etymology and Definition