- Feeling extremely happy, blissful, or euphoric.
Explanation
Origin
The origin is uncertain, with several theories:
- One theory links it to the classifications of clouds by the US Weather Bureau in the 1950s, where 'Cloud Nine' (cumulonimbus) was the highest, fluffiest type, symbolizing lofty happiness. However, this classification system isn't quite accurate to the term's history.
- Another theory connects it to Buddhism, where the ninth cloud represents a stage towards enlightenment.
- A simpler explanation might be that nine, being one less than the 'perfect' ten, or simply a high number in expressions like dressed to the nines, represents a very high state. The imagery of floating happily on a cloud adds to the sense of light, carefree bliss.
The phrase seems to have become popular in the mid-20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Buzzing. (UK/Aus slang very excited/happy)
- Stoked. (Slang, especially surfer/skater culture very excited/enthusiastic)
- Hyped. (Excited, often in anticipation)
- Feeling fly. (Older slang feeling very good/confident)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Happy as fuck. / Fucking ecstatic.
Milder/More Formal:
- Extremely pleased.
- Overjoyed.
- Delighted.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Widely understood and common idiom for extreme happiness.
- Suitable for sharing good news and expressing strong positive emotion.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Clearly figurative. Learners need to understand it means extremely happy and doesn't relate literally to clouds or numbers beyond the idiomatic meaning.
Examples
- She's been on cloud nine ever since she got engaged.
- He won the lottery? He must be on cloud nine!
- After receiving the award, I was on cloud nine for weeks.
Dialogue
Person A: You look incredibly happy today! What's going on?
Person B: I just found out I got accepted into my dream university! I'm on cloud nine!
Person A: Wow, congratulations! That's amazing news! You totally deserve it.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Passed my final exam with flying colors! On cloud nine right now! 🎉 #graduation #happy
- Instagram Caption (photo with a newborn baby): Welcome to the world, little one! We are completely on cloud nine. ❤️
- Facebook Status: Just got back from the most amazing vacation. Still on cloud nine! #travel #bliss
Response Patterns
- Congratulations (if the happiness is due to an achievement or good news).
- Shared happiness (That's wonderful!, I'm so happy for you!).
- Asking about the reason (What happened?, Why are you so happy?).
- Acknowledgment (That's great, Good for you).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they (or someone else) are on cloud nine:
- People usually ask about the cause of such great happiness.
- They offer congratulations or express shared joy.
- They might encourage the person to savor the feeling.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes a state of happiness resulting from something.
Intonation
- Emphasis often on cloud and nine. on CLOUD NINE.
- Said with a happy, perhaps slightly dreamy or enthusiastic tone.
Generation Differences
- Understood and used by most generations, though perhaps feels slightly more traditional than some newer slang for happiness.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.