A rollicking good time
Meaning
A lively, enjoyable, and boisterous experience filled with fun and excitement.
Origin
The word "rollick" burst onto the English scene in the early 19th century, carrying with it a vibrant sense of carefree frolicking and boisterous play. It evoked images of unrestrained joy—a horse kicking up its heels in a field, or children tumbling with laughter. When paired with the simple, satisfying "good time," the phrase became an instant classic, painting a picture of an experience so thoroughly enjoyable and lively that it could only be described as "rollicking." It was the perfect descriptor for everything from a lively country dance to a particularly spirited social gathering, capturing the full-bodied exuberance that lifts an event beyond mere enjoyment into memorable delight.
Examples
- The annual carnival always promises everyone a rollicking good time with its thrilling rides and colorful parades.
- Despite the sudden rain, the outdoor concert turned into a rollicking good time as everyone danced in the puddles with abandon.