PhrasesHub

Like billy-o

    Definitions

      • very fast or very much
        To emphasize the speed or intensity of an action or the extent of something

      • to a great extent
        To emphasize the degree or extent of something

    Examples of Like billy-o

    • The judge banged his gavel on the table and said, "All rise! This court is now in session, like billy-o!"

      In this example, "like billy-o" is used to emphasize the judge's authoritative command and to add a theatrical flair to his pronouncement. It is a colloquial phrase that was popularized by the character Billy Benedict in the "Our Gang" (also known as "The Little Rascals") comedy series in the 1920s and 1930s.

    • The singer took the stage and announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here to rock your world, like billy-o!"

      In this example, "like billy-o" is used to heighten the performance of the singer and to convey her confidence and enthusiasm. It adds a touch of humor and playfulness to the statement.

    • The football player scored a touchdown and celebrated by pointing to the sky and shouting, "Touchdown! I'm feeling like billy-o tonight!"

      In this example, "like billy-o" is used to express the football player's excitement and jubilation after making a spectacular play. It also adds a sense of drama and theatricality to the scene.

    • The comedian told a joke and the audience erupted into laughter, as if they'd been electrified, like billy-o!

      In this example, "like billy-o" is used to describe the audience's enthusiastic response to the comedian's joke. It adds a lively and entertaining touch to the scene.

    • The basketball player dunked the ball like billy-o.

      This idiom is used to describe an action that is done with great force or speed. The basketball player's dunk was so powerful and impressive that it was executed like a loud, emphatic statement, just as billy-o was a popular cartoon character from the 1950s known for his exaggerated, staccato delivery.

    • The singer hit that high note like billy-o.

      This idiom is used to describe an action that is done with exceptional skill or accuracy. The singer's ability to hit a high note with such clarity and power was executed with the same level of precision and flair as billy-o's quick and punchy delivery.

    • The car screeched around the corner like billy-o.

      This idiom is used to describe an action that is done with sudden and dramatic intensity. The car's sharp turn was carried out with the same level of suddenness and force as billy-o's distinctive, staccato delivery.

    • The boxer landed a knockout punch like billy-o.

      This idiom is used to describe an action that is done with decisive and emphatic force, much like billy-o's dynamic, attention-grabbing delivery. The boxer's powerful punch was executed with the same force and impact as billy-o's memorable, memorable catchphrase.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "like billy-o" is used to emphasize the speed, intensity, or extent of something. It can be used to describe how fast something is happening or how much of something there is. It is often used in informal conversation to add emphasis to a statement.

    Origin of "Like billy-o"

    The origin of the idiom "like billy-o" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in British English. The term "billy-o" itself is thought to have been a slang term used in the 19th or early 20th century. It is likely that the idiom evolved from this slang term to emphasize the speed, intensity, or extent of something. While the exact origin is uncertain, the idiom has become a common part of informal English language usage, particularly in British English.

    Examples of this idiom can be found in literature and everyday conversation, demonstrating its continued use and relevance in modern English.