- A feeling of restlessness combined with a strong desire to travel, move, or experience something new and different from one's current situation.
Explanation
Origin
- Metaphorical. The physical sensation of itching creates an urge to scratch or move.
- This is applied to the feeling of wanting to 'move one's feet' and go somewhere else.
- Dates from the early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Got the travel bug
- Need a change of scenery
- Feeling cooped up (Desire to get out, not necessarily far travel)
- Ready to hit the road (Ready to start traveling)
- Antsy (Restless, fidgety)
More Formal/Literary:
- Possessed by wanderlust
- Feel the call of the open road
- Experience a sense of restlessness
- Yearn for new horizons
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to neutral.
- Suitable for most social conversations about personal feelings, travel, or life plans.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure learners understand it's metaphorical and not related to a medical condition like athlete's foot. The context of travel or desire for change is key.
Examples
- After spending a year working from home, I'm really starting to get itchy feet.
- She has itchy feet every few years and moves to a new country.
- Reading travel blogs always gives me itchy feet.
Dialogue
Liam: I've been scrolling through pictures of Thailand all morning.
Nadia: Uh oh. Sounds like someone has itchy feet again!
Liam: Definitely! I'm craving sunshine and a complete change of scenery. Maybe it's time to use some vacation days.
Nadia: Do it! You deserve a break.
Social Media Examples
- Instagram Bio: Marketing Manager with seriously itchy feet. Always planning the next adventure. ✈️🌍 #travel #wanderlust
- Tweet: Is it just me, or does spring always bring on a bad case of itchy feet? Want to go somewhere new! #travel #springfever
- Facebook Status: Officially got itchy feet. Thinking about a road trip this summer. Any recommendations for must-see places?
Response Patterns
- Oh yeah? Where are you thinking of going?
- I totally get that feeling!
- Maybe it's time for an adventure!
- Time to plan a trip!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Discussing potential travel destinations or life changes.
- Sharing personal feelings of wanderlust or past travel experiences.
- Beginning to research or plan a trip or move.
Conversation Starter
- Yes. Can be a good way to express a personal feeling and open up a conversation about travel, change, or future plans.
Intonation
- Stress on ITCHY and FEET.
- I'm getting ITCHY FEET.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood by all generations.
- The concept of 'wanderlust' might be particularly popular or expressed often by younger generations (Millennials/Gen Z) online.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.