English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Couch potato

Meaning

The idiom "couch potato" refers to someone who spends a lot of time sitting on the couch or lying down in a similar position, usually watching television or engaging in other leisure activities that require little physical activity. This person is often described as lazy or sluggish and may be seen as avoiding exercise or other forms of physical activity.

Usage

  • Sarah was a couch potato for most of the day and didn't move much during her break.
  • John spent all weekend on the couch, watching football games and eating junk food.
  • Mary's sedentary lifestyle led to health problems and she was often referred to as a couch potato.
  • The gym instructor always encouraged his clients to break out of their couch potato habits and get active.
  • After years of being a couch potato, Emily decided to take up running and began to feel more energetic and alert. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a positive or negative way, depending on the speaker's tone and intentions. It can also be used as an insult or a joke, especially among close friends.

Roots and History

The origins of the idiom "couch potato" are unclear, but it is believed to have first appeared in the late 20th century in the United States. Some believe that it may have been coined by advertising agencies to describe people who spent a lot of time watching television commercials. Others claim that it was inspired by the popular cartoon character Garfield, who was often shown lounging on the couch and eating food. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has remained relatively consistent, but there may be regional variations in usage and spelling. For example, some people may spell it "couch potato" while others may spell it "couch pototo".

Synonyms in English

  • Slothful
  • Sedentary
  • Indolent
  • Lazy
  • Leisurely

Synonyms in other languages

  • French: Chauffard
  • German: Faulenweisser
  • Spanish: Hipolita
  • Italian: Ociotta
  • Portuguese: Ocioso/a

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