Not all there
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
Not thinking clearly, not fully aware, or, as an insult, supposedly lacking intelligence or sound judgment. Informal and sometimes offensive. It may describe temporary distraction, but when applied to disability, dementia, or mental illness it is vague and demeaning; use a precise, respectful description instead. Regional use: Widespread informal English.
Origin
The expression treats mental presence or competence as something that can be complete or incomplete. The positive all there, meaning mentally alert or competent, and its much more common negative form are documented from the mid-19th century. No named inventor or specific 1860s newspaper origin is established. Its apparent mildness reflects euphemism, but the underlying judgment can still be demeaning.
Research Sources
Variants
- Not quite all there
Usage Examples
- After three sleepless nights, I was present at the meeting but not all there.
- The comedy portrays the absent-minded professor as not quite all there.
- Calling a confused patient not all there would be dismissive rather than helpful.