Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[vicsjsu]

Another idiom for those intersted in learning them.

Question: I think it is an idiom borrowed from horse racing. How do you use this idiom? I heard it on the show Seinfeld (Kramer likes to say it )

Thanks!

Victor

[bud]

Well, horse riding in general, but not really horse racing. When you are stopped but want to start going, you would say "Giddy up!"

You could use it as a metaphor in other situations (e.g., driving a car with lots of engine troubles) and you would be understood.

[Bill P.]

I have been told that "giddy up" is short for old English "get thee up" ("get you up").

[advoca]

If I may be allowed, Bud, 'giddy up' is not a metaphor. A metaphor is a word or phrase that means one thing and is used for referring to another thing in order to emphasize their similar qualities:

For example: He often uses the metaphor of the family to describe the role of the state.

Giddy up is colloqualism. It does mean 'start' when applied to horses (and it is only applied to horses) and it does derive from 'Get thee up' or in other words, 'start moving you stupid horse!"

[bud]

Excuse me for my stupidity, Advoca, but I do not understand. First of all, I said it could be used as a metaphor, not that it is a metaphor. Secondly, when saying it while driving a problematic car, aren't I using a prhrase that means one thing (i.e., to get a horse going) in order to emphasize the similar qualities of a different thing (i.e., to get a car going)?

[vicsjsu]

Thank you to all who replied.
I just watched "Seabiscus" last night. I'm surprised they did not once say the phrase in the movie.

[advoca]

A small point. You would use "Giddy up" to a horse or horses when you are sitting on a wagon and the horses are pulling it. In other words, when you are not actually riding it or sitting on its back but are holding the reins.

If you are riding the horse then you get it to move by movements of your legs or body. There is no need to give an order.

[Copie]

GIddy up!