Tickled Pink Meaning
Definition: Very happy.
Origin of Tickled Pink
Tickle is a verb that means to touch someone while wiggling one’s fingers back and forth. This produces a strange sensation on the tickled person’s skin, and causes them to laugh or scream.
In the 1800s, people used the similar expression tickled to death to mean very pleased. They likely used this expression because people usually laugh extremely hard when tickled, making them seem very happy. If they laughed so hard that they died, they must have felt very happy indeed. This is similar to the expression died laughing, which means laughing very hard.
An early example of tickled to death is found in James Kirk Paudling’s The Bucktails (1815)
- Stab me, but do not tickle me to death in sport.
By the early 1900s, the form tickled pink was in use. It is used literally to describe someone who blushes when being tickled.
Examples of Tickled Pink
In the example below, a husband tells his wife some surprising news.
Kip: Do you remember how sad you were that we couldn’t go to the beach this year?
Caroline: Yes, but don’t worry. I know it’s important that you don’t miss work during your first few months.
Kip: Thanks, but I have some good news! I rented a cabin by the lake over the holiday weekend, so we’ll have three days of fun and sun by the water!
Caroline: Really? That sounds amazing! I’m tickled pink to hear that!
The next example involves two friends who are discussing the math test that they are going to.
Brian: I’m doomed. I’m going to fail this test.
Raj: Huh. The door to the classroom is locked. Oh, look, there’s a note posted on the door. It says that the test is postponed until next week.
Brian: Whoo hoo!
Raj: Oh no! All that studying for nothing. I’ll have to study all over again to make sure I don’t forget anything.
Brian: You might be sad, but I’m tickled pink. I couldn’t be happier about this!
More Examples
This quote shows that an actor is happy to be a part of an event to make crafts.
- Adds Offerman, a well-known crafts lover: “People who make things are my favorite kind of folk. Practical, clever and terrific in a pinch. That makes me tickled pink to have a front-row seat at this prodigious display of talent, and admiring and cheering on an amazing crop of American makers. Plus, Amy and I have a strong tradition of tomfoolery, so let’s see if we don’t have some good fun.” –USA Today
This quote shows that the speaker is very happy that a racecar driver chose him.
- “We are tickled pink that Dale chose to be with us for the first event of the season before he climbs back in the car,” said Eric Shanks, Fox Sports President & COO. –USA Today
Summary
The expression tickled pink means immensely pleased.
Contents