- To be very pleased, delighted, happy, or amused by something.
Explanation
Origin
- The phrase likely relates to the physical reaction of blushing or becoming pink in the face due to strong emotion, such as pleasure, excitement, or amusement (being tickled by something funny or delightful).
- It suggests a visible, bubbly sort of happiness.
- The expression seems to have emerged in the early 20th century in American English.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Stoked (Especially for excitement)
- Hyped (Excited anticipation)
- Gassed (UK Excited, pleased)
- Buzzing (UK/Aus Excited, happy)
- Made up (UK Very pleased)
- Over the moon
Milder:
- Really pleased
- Very happy
- Glad
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Sounds slightly quaint or old-fashioned to some, but still widely understood.
- Perfect for expressing genuine, simple delight.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal meaning of being tickled until pink is not intended. It's purely metaphorical for delight.
Examples
- She was tickled pink with the surprise party.
- Grandma was tickled pink to receive flowers from the children.
- He was tickled pink by the compliment.
Dialogue
Emma: How did your mom like the scarf you knitted her?
Jake: She was tickled pink! She put it on immediately and hasn't taken it off.
Emma: Aw, that's so sweet! I'm glad she loved it.
Social Media Examples
- Facebook post from a grandparent: My grandson drew this picture for me! I'm just tickled pink! 🥰 #grandkids #mademyday #familylove
- Tweet (perhaps slightly ironically): Got a free coffee upgrade today. Feeling tickled pink by this small win! 😂 #simplepleasures #goodmood
Response Patterns
- Sharing the pleasure: That's wonderful! / Oh, how lovely!
- Asking for details: What happened? / What pleased you/her so much?
- Acknowledgment: I'm glad to hear it.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing someone is tickled pink:
- Asking what caused the happiness: What are you/they so happy about?
- Expressing shared joy: That's great news!
- Smiling or showing positive body language.
Conversation Starter
- Usually a response or description rather than an opener, but can be used to share good news. You'll never guess what happened I'm tickled pink!
Intonation
- Said with noticeable pleasure and enthusiasm.
- Stress often on both TICKLED and PINK. TICKLED PINK!
- Often has a light, cheerful sound.
Generation Differences
- More commonly used by older generations (Baby Boomers and older). Younger generations understand it but might prefer synonyms like stoked, thrilled, or simply really happy.
Regional Variations
- Primarily American English in origin, but understood in other regions. UK/Aus equivalents like chuffed or pleased as punch are more common there.