happy as Larry

English

Etymology

This has been said to refer to the Australian boxer Larry Foley (1849–1917), who never lost a fight. This is not likely as the earliest reference to the phrase is in a letter to the editor of the Illawarra Mercury in Wollongong, Australia in 1857.[1] In it the correspondent "G U A" (probably Dr. George Underwood Alley, known for regularly corresponding with newspapers) writes "...we'll all live together, like Brown's cows, and be as happy as Larry."

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Adjective

(as) happy as Larry

  1. (simile, informal) Extremely happy and carefree.

Synonyms

Translations

References
  1. Illawarra Mercury, 23 November 1857, page 2, "The Murray Land Bill No. 2"
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