1102 Full of beans - English Idioms

Explanation

Full of energy, lively, enthusiastic, and cheerful.
In American English, it can sometimes mean mistaken or talking nonsense (e.g., You're full of beans!), but the primary meaning is energetic.

Origin

The origin is uncertain, with several theories.
One common theory relates it to horses being fed beans (like fava beans or soybeans), which were considered nutritious and energy-giving, making them lively.
Another theory connects it to coffee beans and the energetic effect of caffeine.
The talking nonsense meaning (primarily US) might stem from beans being cheap, common food, implying the talk is common or worthless, or perhaps related to the digestive effects (gas) being seen as hot air. However, the energetic meaning is more widespread globally.

Alternatives

Energetic Meaning:

Slang/Informal:

Full of it
Talking smack (Talking trash, boasting falsely)
That's cap (Modern slang, means that's a lie)

Milder/Standard:

That's incorrect.
You're mistaken.
That's nonsense.

Mistaken Meaning (US):

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Full of crap
Full of shit
Talking out of your ass

Situational Appropriateness

(Energetic): Informal. Suitable for casual conversation.
(Mistaken US): Informal and potentially confrontational. Avoid in formal settings. Calling someone full of beans can be seen as dismissive or rude.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The biggest potential for misunderstanding is between the primary (energetic) meaning and the secondary American (mistaken) meaning. Learners should be aware of both possibilities depending on the speaker's origin and context.

Examples

(Energetic): The children were full of beans after the party.
(Energetic): She woke up full of beans this morning, ready to tackle the day.
(Mistaken US): He said the earth is flat? He's full of beans!

Dialogue

Context

# (Energetic Meaning)

Parent 1: Wow, look at the kids running around the playground.

Parent 2: I know! They're certainly full of beans today. Must be the sunshine.

Parent 1: Wish I had half their energy!

# (Mistaken Meaning US)

Sam: I heard you can get rich quick with this new online scheme!

Jen: Oh, come on, Sam. You're full of beans if you believe that! It sounds like a scam.

Sam: No, really, my cousin's friend...

Response Patterns

If someone is described as full of beans (energetic):

Agreement: Yes, they certainly are!
Positive comment: It's great to see them so lively.
Mild complaint (if excessive energy): A bit too much sometimes!

If told You're full of beans! (mistaken US):

Denial: No, I'm not! It's true!
Annoyance: Why would you say that?
Questioning: What makes you think so?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After describing someone as full of beans (energetic):

Asking why: What's got them so energized?
Commenting on the effect: They must have slept well.

After accusing someone of being full of beans (mistaken US):

Providing evidence for the accusation: That's nonsense because...
Waiting for the person's defense or reaction.

Conversation Starter

No.
Usually a comment on someone's energy level or (in the US) the veracity of their statement.

Intonation

(Energetic): Stress on full and beans, often with a cheerful or slightly exasperated tone (if referring to hyperactive children). FULL of BEANS.
(Mistaken US): Stress on full and beans, often with a dismissive or incredulous tone. FULL of BEANS!

Generation Differences

The energetic meaning is understood by most, perhaps used more by older generations.
The mistaken meaning is primarily American and understood there, but less common globally. Younger people might use full of it/crap/shit more often for the mistaken sense.

Regional Variations

UK/Aus/NZ/Canada: Primarily means energetic.
US: Can mean either energetic or mistaken/talking nonsense. Context is crucial.

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