Happiness is such a wonderful feeling, why should we only use one word to describe it? In honor of today's International Day of Happiness, why not open up that vocabulary and let the good times roll.
1. CHIRKY
From the late 19th century, meaning “cheerful.”
2. IN HIGH SNUFF
An expression for “good mood,” used from the late 17th century until the 1930s.
3. OVER THE MOON
Before humans literally went beyond the moon, this popular phrase from the 1930s means “overjoyed.”
4. GASSED
Started out meaning “intoxicated,” but by the 1950s it just meant happy.
5. TICKLED
As in “tickled pink.”
6. MERRY-PIN
Also started as a reference to tipsiness, this referred to a general good ol’ time in the 19th century.
7. RICOCHET
In the 19th century, this bouncy term also meant “splendid.”
8. ALL CALLAO
This 19th century sailor’s slang either referred to the Peruvian port of Callo or acted as a play on the word alcohol. Or both.
9. GAUDEAMUS
From the Latin for “let us rejoice,” this oldie refers to a merry jamboree.
10. KVELLING
From the Yiddish for “so happy and proud my heart is overflowing.”
11. CHUFFED
This current slang in the UK certainly needs to make a trip across the pond.
12. DELIRA AND EXCIRA
A term the Irish use to mean “delirious and excited.” We need to borrow this one, too.
13. GLADSOME
This classic from the 14th century doesn’t get used enough anymore.
14. TO LICK THE EYE
This confusing 19th century gem was used to describe someone who was extremely pleased.
15. COCK-A-HOOP
From the phrase “to set the cock on the hoop,” meaning open the tap and let the good times flow.