All the Fixin's: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
December 7, 2023

The idiom "all the fixin's" means having everything necessary or desirable for a specific situation, especially a meal. It usually implies that many extra or optional items make something more enjoyable or complete.

In short:

  • It means to have everything that is needed or wanted for something, especially a meal.

What Does "All the Fixin's" Mean?

The idiom "all the fixin's" means to have all the fixins and more. It suggests that nothing is missing or lacking in a situation and that everything is done to the highest standard or quality. It also implies that many extra or optional items make something more enjoyable or complete. Furthermore, it can be used figuratively to describe situations with many benefits or advantages.

Where Does "All the Fixin's" Come From?

The idiom "all the fixin's" comes from the American English slang term "fixings," which means the side dishes or accompaniments that go with a main course of a meal. For example, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green beans are common "fixings" for a Thanksgiving turkey. It also developed its symbolic meaning through the years, referring to any situation with many additional benefits or advantages.

10 Examples of "All the Fixin's" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

  • Thanksgiving dinner isn't complete without turkey and all the fixin's.
  • We're having a barbecue with all the fixin's: burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob.
  • The chef prepared a steak with all the fixin's – mushrooms, onions, and a rich sauce.
  • We need to buy ingredients for tacos – all the fixin's like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.
  • The sandwich shop offers a variety of subs with all the fixin's you can choose from.
  • A classic deli sandwich includes meat, cheese, and all the fixin's like pickles and mustard.
  • The chili cook-off had a toppings bar with all the fixin's you could dream of.
  • A loaded baked potato should have all the fixin's like sour cream and chives.
  • He made a delicious omelette with all the fixin's, including peppers and cheese.
  • We enjoyed a delightful brunch with waffles, eggs, and all the fixin's.

Examples of "All the Fixin's" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

  • In the game Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018), Arthur is a cowboy who can buy food from various vendors and says: "I'll take some stew with all the fixin's."
  • In the book The Help (2009) by Kathryn Stockett, Minny is a maid who cooks for a white family and says: "I make corn pone from scratch every morning for Miss Walters' breakfast. I fry ham, sausage, or bacon with all the fixin's."
  • In the TV show Friends (1994-2004), Joey tries to impress a woman by pretending to own a Porsche and says: "Hey! How you doin'? I'm Joey. Maybe you've seen me driving around in my Porsche. Yeah? Well… this is it right here. It's got everything: leather interior… CD player… and of course… all the fixin's."

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "All the Fixin's"

Here are some synonyms or alternative ways to say this phrase:

  • With all the frills
  • With all the extras
  • With all the toppings
  • With all the accessories
  • With everything included
  • With all the accoutrements
  • With all the embellishments
  • With all the accompaniments

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "All the Fixin's"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

  • What does "all the fixin's" mean?

The idiom "all the fixin's" means having everything necessary or desirable for a specific situation, especially a meal. It usually implies that many extra or optional items make something more enjoyable or complete.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "all the fixin's"?

The idiom "all the fixin's" comes from the American English slang term "fixins," which means the side dishes or accompaniments that go with a main course of a meal. For example, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green beans are common "fixins" for a Thanksgiving turkey.

  • Is "all the fixin's" an American or British expression?

"All the fixin's" is an American expression that originated in the 19th century. It is not commonly used in British English, where "all the trimmings" is preferred.

  • What part of speech is "all the fixin's"?

"All the fixin's" is a noun phrase that acts as a modifier for another noun. It can be used as a subject or an object in a sentence.

  • Is "all the fixin's" commonly used in everyday conversation?

Yes, "all the fixin's" is a colloquial expression commonly used in informal conversation, particularly in the Southern United States.

  • Can "all the fixin's" refer to anything other than food?

While it is most commonly associated with food, "all the fixin's" can be used more broadly to describe having all the necessary elements for any situation or task.

  • Is "all the fixin's" used in formal or professional settings?

No, it is considered informal and is typically used in casual conversations or relaxed environments.

  • Is there a regional preference for using "all the fixin's"?

The phrase is most commonly associated with Southern American English, but it can be understood and used in other English-speaking regions as well.

  • Can "all the fixin's" be used to describe a situation that's been fully prepared or organized?

Yes, you can use it in a non-food context to describe a situation that has been fully prepared or organized with all the necessary components.

  • Does "all the fixin's" always imply abundance or completeness?

It often implies abundance, but it doesn't necessarily mean excess. It simply means that everything that is typically expected or needed is present.

Final Thoughts About "All The Fixin's"

"All the fixin's" is an idiom that means all the extras or additions that make something more enjoyable or complete. It can be used for food and non-food things, implying a sense of abundance or generosity.

Some key points to remember about the phrase:

  • It implies a sense of abundance or generosity.
  • It is an American expression that originated in the 19th century.
  • It is still widely used today in American English.

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