Explore the Barrel of Fun: History, Usage, and Connotations
The expression “barrel of fun” and its synonymous phrase “barrel of laughs” have a rich history and a range of modern usages. This article delves into the evolution of these delightful expressions, their origins, and their various connotations in contemporary language.
Origin of "Barrel of Fun"
The term “barrel of fun” has been in use since the 1800s, with its earliest known printed reference dating back to May 19, 1866, in the Manhattan KS Independent.
1866 - Manhattan KS Independent
Courtesy of Illinois Digital Newspaper Collections
I made the same successful hit on low prices this time that I made barrels of money and had barrels of fun in selling goods 50 per cent lower than they were sold two months before...
The term gained popularity in the 19th century, appearing in various newspapers and texts. For instance:
1870 - New York NY Clipper
By Oofty Gooft (a German dialect character)
dot vas a gay place und many a barrel of fun your uncle Oofty had dere.
Usage Over Time
The use of “barrel of fun” and “barrel of laughs” evolved from being primarily used to describe entertainment and enjoyment to a more sarcastic term. This shift in usage was noted in the mid-20th century.
Sarcastic Usage in the 1960s
1966 - The Palm Beach Post
By Douglass Welch
She had seen something like this at Custer South Dakotawhere they built a cave man city for the entertainment of summer tourists with a bank a theater a city jail a beauty parlor and a whole bunch of other stuff like that a real barrel of laughs.
1967 - Tallahassee FL Democrat
By Hugo (comic strip author)
OUR OLD I.R.S. OFFICE GANG USED TO SEE WHO COULD FIND THE BIGGEST ‘D GAG IT UP ABOUT PENALTIES—A REGULAR BARREL OF LAUGHS…
Modern Usage
Today, the term “barrel of fun” and “barrel of laughs” may be used in a variety of contexts, often to describe something that is extremely enjoyable, though the term is also used sarcastically to describe someone or something that is not funny.
Urban Dictionary Example
2005 - Lady Chevalier
Yeah he’s a regular barrel of laughs. Shoot me please.
This usage reflects the evolution of the expression from its original positive connotation to a more ironic and negative one, indicating that the person in question is not actually funny.
Conclusion
The expression “barrel of fun” and its variant “barrel of laughs” offer a fascinating glimpse into the linguistic evolution of English, particularly in the realm of euphemisms and sarcasm. From early references in newspapers to contemporary uses in entertainment and day-to-day conversation, these phrases continue to be relevant and adaptable, reflecting the changing attitudes and contexts of the English-speaking world.
Keywords: barrel of fun, barrel of laughs, origin of barrel of fun