- Meaning
- This idiom is a humorous, slightly exasperated command to remain patient, calm, or restrained, often directed at someone acting overly eager, impatient, or agitated, as if telling them not to ‘take their pants off’ in a rush. It conveys a call for composure and waiting one’s turn, used in casual, social, or familial contexts to diffuse impatience or excitement. The phrase carries a playful, mildly scolding tone, reflecting cultural appreciation for humor in defusing tension and the value of patience in chaotic or hurried situations. It resonates in informal settings where lighthearted rebukes maintain harmony, capturing the human tendency to rush headlong into action and the need for a gentle reminder to slow down. The idiom’s cheeky tone often adds a layer of warmth or familiarity to interactions, making it a staple in close-knit or relaxed environments.
- Origin
- The phrase likely emerged in early 20th-century America, tied to slang expressions for haste or excitement, possibly inspired by the literal act of removing pants in a hurry, a comedic trope in vaudeville and early theater. An early use appears in a 1912 *Chicago Tribune* article, where a character is told to ‘keep your pants on’ during a heated exchange. The idiom gained traction in the 1920s, reflecting the era’s love for irreverent slang, as seen in Ring Lardner’s short stories, which capture American vernacular. Its popularity was boosted by the rise of radio comedies and Hollywood films in the 1930s, such as those by the Marx Brothers, where quick-witted banter was central. The phrase’s use grew in mid-20th-century American English, particularly in urban and working-class communities, and spread to British and Commonwealth English through American media, notably post-World War II sitcoms and films. Its adoption was fueled by its playful imagery, evoking a comical rush to disrobe, and its applicability to impatience in fast-paced modern life, ensuring its enduring use across English-speaking cultures, from schoolyards to office break rooms.
- Variants
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- Keep your pants on
- Keep yer pants on
- Hold your pants on
- Keep your trousers on
- Examples
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- Keep your pants on, we’ll get to the store when it opens!
- Keep yer pants on, mate, I’m still finishing the report.
- Hold your pants on, the meeting hasn’t even started yet.
- Keep your trousers on, I’m coming to help with the dishes in a minute.
- She told him to keep his pants on when he rushed her to leave for the party.
- Keep your pants on, the game tickets aren’t going anywhere.
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