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happy as Larry. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
happy as Larry, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
happy as Larry in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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happy as Larry will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
happy as Larry, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
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
Adjective
(as) happy as Larry
- (simile, informal) Extremely happy and carefree.
Synonyms
Translations
extremely happy and carefree
References
- ^ Illawarra Mercury, 23 November 1857, page 2, "The Murray Land Bill No. 2"