Meaning
Extremely happy and carefree. Usually positive and informal, with no necessary reference to a real Larry. Regional use: Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Ireland.
Origin
The simile arose in Australia or New Zealand in the late 19th century. A New Zealand example from about 1875 predates the evidence usually offered for boxer Larry Foley as the namesake, weakening that popular theory. Who Larry was, if anyone, remains unknown.
Research Sources
References used to check this entry’s meaning, history, or documented forms.
Variants
- As happy as Larry
Usage Examples
- Give Mo a sunny bench and a strong cup of tea and he is happy as Larry.
- The children were as happy as Larry splashing in the shallow stream.