The phrase "morning glory" can mean different things. In nature, it's a type of flower that opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. But in everyday talk, it's a cheeky term to describe a man's early morning erection. This shows how language can cover everything from plants to the human body, each with its own unique meaning.
In short:
The term "morning glory" can refer to two very different things. If you're discussing plants, "morning glory" is a type of flower that opens its petals in the morning and closes them by sunset. However, when used in a more casual, slang context, it describes a physiological phenomenon experienced by some men upon waking.
Let's dig into its core meanings and usage:
"Morning glory" is a term with quite a colorful history. Originally, it referred to a flower that blooms in the morning, a usage dating back to the 1800s. In horse racing circles of the late 1800s, it was a nickname for a horse that shone during morning practices but fell short in actual races. By the 1950s, it began to describe a drug user's first dose of the day. Australians gave it a twist in the 1970s to mean early morning sex, and by the 1980s, it had evolved into slang for waking up with an erection. This phrase found its way into pop culture in the 1990s with an Oasis album and a movie in 2010, cementing its place in our lexicon.
"A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books."
- Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman, 1855
"Morning glory is the best name, it always refreshes me to see it."
- A journal entry by Henry David Thoreau, September 6, 1851
To provide a clearer idea about when to use this phrase, here are some examples from various scenarios:
The phrase "Morning Glory" has left its mark on various aspects of pop culture, from music to literature and beyond.
Let's explore some instances:
There are various other expressions that convey similar meanings to "morning glory."
Here are some of them:
"Morning glory" can either refer to a type of flower known for its habit of blooming in the morning and wilting by sunset or, in a more casual and slang context, it describes a physiological phenomenon experienced by some men upon waking up.
You can use "morning glory" to describe the flower or the slang term. For example, "The morning glory's bloom piqued my interest in botany," or "He woke up with a morning glory."
No, "morning glory" actually refers to several species of flowering plants all known for their characteristic of blooming in the morning and wilting by evening.
The name "morning glory" comes from the flower's habit of blooming with the sunrise and wilting as the day progresses, typically by sunset.
Yes, in some cultures, the "morning glory" flower is seen as a symbol of love, affection, and mortality due to its brief bloom period.
In slang, "morning glory" is used to describe the occurrence of an erection upon waking up.
While it may not be universally recognized, "morning glory" is a relatively well-known slang term in certain circles, often used in a humorous or light-hearted manner.
Yes, besides the flower and the slang term, "Morning Glory" is also the title of various songs, films, and other media, often used metaphorically to signify a new beginning or fresh start.
Yes, for the flower, similar expressions might include "dawn's bloom," while for the physiological phenomenon, similar slang terms could be "waking up at attention."
No, they are not the same. While "morning glory" refers to a type of flower or a slang term, "glory of the morning" is a phrase that typically refers to the beauty or splendor of a morning or sunrise.
"Morning glory" is an interesting phrase with two distinct meanings. It either refers to a beautiful flower that blooms in the morning and wilts by sunset, or it's a slang term describing a physiological phenomenon experienced by some men upon waking up.
Here's a quick recap:
Whether referring to the vibrant flower or the common morning occurrence for many men, "morning glory" is a versatile term with diverse usage.