Morning Glory: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
August 16, 2023

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:

  • "Morning glory" refers to a flowering plant that blooms in the morning and wilts by sunset.
  • It's also a slang term used to describe an erection when waking up.

What Does "Morning Glory" Mean?

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" typically refers to a family of plants known for their flowers that bloom early in the day and wilt by evening.
  • In slang, the phrase is used to describe the occurrence of an erection upon waking up.
  • The term can be used in a sentence like, "Every morning, I look forward to seeing the morning glories in my garden," signifying appreciation for the plant.
  • However, in a different context, one might say, "Waking up with a morning glory is one of life's mysteries," using the term in its slang sense.
  • Similar expressions for the plant might include "dawn's bloom," while similar slang terms could be "waking up at attention."

Where Does "Morning Glory" Come From?

"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.

Historical Examples

"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

10 Examples of "Morning Glory" in Sentences

To provide a clearer idea about when to use this phrase, here are some examples from various scenarios:

  • The morning glory, with its radiant bloom, certainly made my day.
  • The morning glory's bloom is a gentle reminder to throw caution to the wind and embrace the day.
  • He woke up with morning glory, a common occurrence for many men.
  • She planted morning glory seeds along the fence, hoping for a beautiful floral display by summer.
  • The morning glory phenomenon is often a topic of joke among men.
  • Her favorite flower was the morning glory because of its vibrant colors and unique blooming habits.
  • The vibrant colors of the morning glories were a sight to behold.
  • Every guy knows what it's like to wake up with morning glory.
  • Son of a biscuit! Waking up with morning glory is like an old-skool alarm clock.
  • He felt embarrassed about his morning glory and quickly covered himself with a blanket.

Examples of "Morning Glory" in Pop Culture

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:

  • "Morning Glory" is a 2010 film directed by Roger Michell. The film revolves around a young and ambitious television producer who takes over a struggling morning show.
  • Oasis's album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" stands as a pivotal moment in pop culture history.
  • "Morning Glory" is also the name of a café in Dijon, France, a destination for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts.
  • "Morning Glory" is a novel written by LaVyrle Spencer. The story revolves around a young widow who hires a drifter to help her run her farm.
  • "Morning Glory" is also a song by the American band Blood Sweat And Tears. The lyrics of the song mention the phrase: "Morning Glory Lyrics, Blood Sweat And Tears, I lit my purest candle Close to my window Hoping it would."

Other/Different Ways to Say "Morning Glory"

There are various other expressions that convey similar meanings to "morning glory."

Here are some of them:

  • For the flower: Dawn's bloom, sunrise blossom, day's beginning bloom
  • For the physiological phenomenon: Waking up at attention, rise and shine, early riser

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Morning Glory":

  • What does "morning glory" mean?

"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.

  • How can I use "morning glory" in a sentence?

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."

  • Does "morning glory" only refer to one type of flower?

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.

  • Why is the flower called "morning glory"?

The name "morning glory" comes from the flower's habit of blooming with the sunrise and wilting as the day progresses, typically by sunset.

  • Is the "morning glory" flower symbolic of anything?

Yes, in some cultures, the "morning glory" flower is seen as a symbol of love, affection, and mortality due to its brief bloom period.

  • What is the slang meaning of "morning glory"?

In slang, "morning glory" is used to describe the occurrence of an erection upon waking up.

  • Is "morning glory" a common slang term?

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.

  • Can "morning glory" refer to anything else?

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.

  • Are there other ways to say "morning glory"?

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."

  • Is "morning glory" the same as "glory of the morning"?

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.

Final Thoughts About "Morning Glory"

"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:

  • "Morning glory" is a unique term due to its dual meanings in the context of botany and slang language.
  • The phrase is often used in various situations, such as gardening or casual conversations with friends.
  • "Morning glory" as a flower symbolizes love, affection, and mortality because of its short-lived bloom.
  • As slang, "morning glory" is often used light-hearted or humorous.

Whether referring to the vibrant flower or the common morning occurrence for many men, "morning glory" is a versatile term with diverse usage.

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