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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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Shower time
Guest
1
2012/01/01 - 11:34am

Why do we use the term "hop in the shower"? Why don't we simply get in, or step into the shower? My friends and family of all generation say this.

Guest
2
2012/01/03 - 7:04am

My wife and I joke about this expression: "don't slip!" To me, using the expression with hop in communicates the shower will be quick. Likewise, pop in implies a quick visit to a store, home, office, etc.

Guest
3
2012/01/03 - 9:19am

I can't think of a reason for this expression, but my family uses the term, "hop in bed", usually with children but it could be with anyone.   I know it goes back generations.   We are also just as likely to say, "hop in the car" or nearly any other mode of transportation.   These, too, would imply a quick visit, but hopefully not a quick visit to bed.

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4
2012/01/03 - 3:42pm

I can't think of any logical reason for "hopping" in the shower either. Sounds dangerous. And in these days of water frugality (at least here in the Southwest), all our showers are quick Gone are the days of luxuriating in a long hot shower.

Dick's comment about "hopping" into just about any transportation rings true. But it brings to minds a classic line by the late great George Carlin. "When the stewardess tell me to get on the plane, I say %&#@ you! Let the daredevils get on the plane … I'm getting in the plane."

Guest
5
2012/01/04 - 9:03am

I started recalling Gene Autry's song, "Here Comes Santa Claus", but after checking the lyrics I find it actually says, "Jump in bed and cover your head, 'cause Santa Claus comes tonight."     Not the same, but very similar.   On a different point, I actually have a problem covering my head in bed or advising anyone else to do so.

EmmettRedd
859 Posts
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6
2012/01/04 - 1:08pm

Dick said:

I can't think of a reason for this expression, but my family uses the term, "hop in bed", usually with children but it could be with anyone.   I know it goes back generations.   We are also just as likely to say, "hop in the car" or nearly any other mode of transportation.   These, too, would imply a quick visit, but hopefully not a quick visit to bed.

Don't you remember being small and some beds being especially tall. Back then, a child often did have to hop into bed; their behinds were not high enough to sit down on the bed.

Emmett

Guest
7
2012/01/04 - 11:36pm

I assume the "hop in" implies doing it quickly, but I can't help but feel that there's a world of difference between hopping in the shower and hopping into the shower.

Ron Draney
721 Posts
(Offline)
8
2012/01/05 - 2:01am

Dick said:

I started recalling Gene Autry"s song, "Here Comes Santa Claus", but after checking the lyrics I find it actually says, "Jump in bed and cover your head, "cause Santa Claus comes tonight."     Not the same, but very similar.   On a different point, I actually have a problem covering my head in bed or advising anyone else to do so.

I know what you mean. Lately people in songs have been advising me to "put your hands in the air", which I can sort of understand. But then they add the nonsensical explanation "like you just don"t care". Honestly, if I just don"t care, my hands are staying at my sides where they belong.

Guest
9
2012/01/05 - 10:55am

Tromboniator's last post just removed a filter from my eyes.   I have been reading this whole string with an emphasis on "hop."   Now I see I was ignoring the fact that "in" should have been "into."   I think some others may have been making the same oversight.   I will reread this whole string with less ignorance. Thanks

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