High as a Kite: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
September 8, 2023

"High as a kite" is an idiom used to describe someone thrilled, excited, or intoxicated. It can also mean that someone is behaving silly or irrationally as if they are unaware of their surroundings or the consequences of their actions.

In short:

  • "High as a kite" is an idiom that means very happy, excited, or intoxicated.
  • It can also mean behaving in a silly or irrational way, as if not aware of reality.

What Does "High as a Kite" Mean?

Someone "high as a kite" is either thrilled, very high, or crazy. They act like they are flying in the sky and don't care about what's happening on the ground or what might happen to them later.

Where Does "High as a Kite" Come From?

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but one possible explanation is that it comes from the word "high," which has been used to mean intoxicated since the 17th century. The term was initially used to describe someone drunk, but later, it was also applied to someone under the influence of drugs. The addition of "as a kite" may have been inspired by the image of a kite flying high and freely in the air or by the similarity of the sound of "kite" and "tight," another word for drunk.

10 Examples of "High as a Kite" in Sentences

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

  • He was so happy when he won the lottery that he felt high as a kite for days.
  • About last night, she had taken some pills before the party and was high as a kite when we arrived.
  • Yaas! He loves flying kites and always feels high as a kite when he does it.
  • She was nervous before her speech, so she drank too much coffee and was high as a kite when she got on stage.
  • He had been working hard day in and day out, so he decided to relax by getting high as a kite with his friends.
  • Great job! She had just finished her exams and was high as a kite with relief and joy.
  • When his friends came home, he had been smoking weed all day and was high as a kite.
  • Fret not. She had just received some good news and was high as a kite with gratitude and happiness.
  • He had been drinking the whole evening out and was high as a kite when he tried to drive home.
  • She had just fallen in love and felt high as a kite whenever she saw him. Love is blind, indeed.

Examples of "High as a Kite" in Pop Culture

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

  • In the 1983 crime film Scarface, Tony Montana (played by Al Pacino) utters "I'm high as a kite" before his final shootout with his enemies.
  • In the 2010 comedy film Get Him to the Greek, Daphne Binks (played by Colm Meaney) tells Aaron Green (played by Jonah Hill) that he is "high as a kite" and tries to calm him down by playing him some of his music.
  • The 1998 comedy film Half Baked contains scenes where the characters get "high as a kite" and experience various adventures and mishaps. In one scene, Thurgood smokes weed, making him fly like a superhero and rescue a woman from being mugged.
  • In the 2007 comedy film Superbad, Seth (played by Jonah Hill) and Evan (played by Michael Cera) are high school seniors who want to lose their virginity before college. In one scene, Seth gets "high as a kite" after accidentally drinking detergent mixed with beer.

Other Ways to Say "High as a Kite"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

  • On cloud nine
  • Over the moon
  • Buzzed
  • Stoned
  • Wasted
  • Tripping
  • Blasted
  • Zonked
  • Euphoric
  • Loopy

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "High as a Kite"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

  • What does "high as kite" mean?

"High as a kite" is an idiom used to describe someone thrilled, excited, or intoxicated. It can also mean that someone is behaving silly or irrationally as if they are unaware of their surroundings or the consequences of their actions.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "high as kite"?

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but one possible explanation is that it comes from the word "high," which has been used to mean intoxicated since the 17th century. The term was initially used to describe someone drunk, but later, it was also applied to someone under the influence of drugs.

  • What are some synonyms for "high as kite"?

Some synonyms for this idiom are "on cloud nine," "over the moon," "buzzed," "stone," "wasted," "blasted," "zonked," "euphoric," and "loopy."

  • Is "high as a kite" a positive or negative expression?

It depends on the context and the tone. It can be positive if it means very happy or excited, but it can also be harmful if it means intoxicated or irrational.

  • Is "high as a kite" formal or informal?

It is informal and should not be used in formal or professional settings.

  • Is "high as a kite" offensive or rude?

It can be offensive or rude if used to mock or insult someone intoxicated or irrational. It can also be inappropriate if used in front of children or people sensitive to drug-related topics.

  • What is the difference between "high as a kite" and "high on life"?

"High as a kite" usually means very happy or excited due to external factors, such as drugs, alcohol, or good news. High on life" usually means very happy or excited due to internal factors, such as attitude, passion, or purpose.

  • What is the difference between "high as a kite" and "flying high"?

"High as a kite" usually emphasizes the height or distance from reality, while "flying high" emphasizes speed or movement. Both can mean happiness or excitement, but "flying high" means success or prosperity.

  • How do you respond to someone "high as a kite"?

It depends on the situation and your relationship with them. If they are "high as a kite" in a positive way, you can respond by congratulating them, sharing their joy, or joining them in their excitement. If they are high as a kite in a negative way, you can respond by expressing concern, offering help, or avoiding them if they are dangerous or unpleasant.

  • How do you avoid being "high as a kite"?

The best way to avoid being "high as a kite" is to limit or avoid consuming drugs, alcohol, or other substances that can alter your mood or perception. You can also practice moderation, self-control, and awareness of your limits and consequences. You can also find other ways to feel happy or excited, such as engaging in hobbies, sports, arts, or social activities that bring you joy and satisfaction.

Final Thoughts About "High as a Kite"

The idiom "high as a kite" has different meanings and implications, depending on the context and the tone. It can mean being very happy, excited, intoxicated, or behaving silly or irrationally. It is an informal and colorful expression of the image of a kite flying high in the sky.

Here are some key points to remember about this idiom:

  • It means very happy, excited, intoxicated, or behaving silly or irrationally.
  • It is informal and should not be used in formal or professional settings.
  • It can be positive or negative, depending on the context and the tone.
  • It has many synonyms and other variations.

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