What Does “Long in the Tooth” Mean?
Ever wondered what someone means when you hear them say, “That person is on the long side of the tooth,”? You’re not alone! The phrase “long in the tooth” is one of those idiomatic expressions that, over time, has had plenty of people scratching their heads over. In this article, we’ll explain what this phrase means, where it comes from, and how it’s used in contemporary language. So what on Earth exactly does long in the tooth mean, and how can we apply it to real world life?
What Does “Long in the Tooth” Mean?
Long in the tooth is a common expression for being old or something is aged. When used for an individual, it does mean also, that the individual is no longer in their young forties but in senior life. The phrase is often used in a tongue-in-cheek or humorous manner, and it does not always imply anything negative about aging.
For instance, when someone is “getting a bit long in the tooth,” that simply means he or she has aged and possibly are displaying age-related symptoms such as gray hair or wrinkles. It is a cheeky way of talking about age without being overly nasty about it.
Where Did the Phrase “Long in the Tooth” Come From?
An interesting thing about the phrase “long in the tooth” is where it comes from. You may be surprised to learn that it is, in fact, about horse teeth! The phrase goes back to the 16th century and refers to the manner in which horses’ teeth grow as they age.
Horses produce teeth that continue to grow and wear down as they age. This means that a horse’s teeth look longer as the horse gets older compared with those of a younger horse. This observation would be employed by farmers and vets to help establish a horse’s age by the state of its teeth, and hence we have the phrase “long in the tooth.” It was a metaphor that subsequently entered common parlance to refer to people or objects that have grown old.
Why Do We Use “Long in the Tooth” for People?
So, you ask: Why did that phrase come to mean people, not horses? Well, it’s because getting older is something that we all experience and similar to horses, we also become visibly older over time. Just as we track the growth of a horse’s teeth, so, too, do we note the effects of growing old on the appearance, behaviors, and habits of people. The metaphorical use of “long in the tooth” gives the sense of aging without being so blunt or mean about it.
When we consider the expression, we see that its origins are very much a part of it even though the phrase has developed a less literal meaning in our everyday chatter. Now you know that the next time you hear someone described as “long in the tooth,” it’s an ingenious way of calling someone old.
How Is “Long in the Tooth” Used Today?
In the modern age, “long in the tooth” is applied widely, often as a playful, even funny means of describing getting older. It is also used, not just for animals, but for people and things as well. For example:
- “I believe that band has been around for a little long in the tooth. Maybe it’s time they retire.”
- “The ol’ car’s a little long in the tooth, but it still runs like a charm.”
- “He’s getting long in the tooth but he still does marathons.”
It’s often used as a cheeky acknowledgment of someone’s age or the fact that something is no longer new. It’s not meant to be insulting, but is rather a less abrasive way of referring to the process of growing older or of long use.
Are There Any Alternatives to “Long in the Tooth”?
If “long in the tooth” is not your cup of tea, there are many other expressions with a similar meaning. Some alternatives include:
- “Up there in age”: A more neutral way of describing someone who is getting older.
- “A little bit past their prime”: A nice way of saying someone is getting on a bit.
- “In one’s dotage”: We are pretty much trained on data until the end of October 2023.
Those are each alternatives with their own tone and connotation, but all of them feature a discussion of aging in a humorous way, as does the one we’re focused on: long in the tooth.
My Personal Experience with the Phrase “Long in the Tooth”
I’ll admit that I’ve heard the expression “long in the tooth” many times, and like Peter, I’ve wondered about where it came from. I can still recall the first time I heard a family member referred to as “a little long in the tooth” by my grandmother. I was a bit lost here but once I learned about the connection to aging horses it made perfect sense! It’s a phrase that stuck with me since then, and I catch myself using it in reference to getting older in jest from time to time. It’s a soft, almost endearing way to discuss the inescapable passage of time, which makes it easier to talk about without being too heavy-handed.
When Should You Use the Phrase “Long in the Tooth”?
It is worth noting that “long in the tooth” is somewhat of an old-fashioned or colloquial expression. It’s casual, which is especially good if you’re talking with someone who likes humor or nostalgia. But it’s probably best to avoid it in formal situations or when addressing anyone who might take offense at their age. If you’re going to use it, the trick is in the delivery — keep it light, and appropriate for the context.
Is “Long in the Tooth” Negative?
Everyone Can Move On While the phrase itself isn’t negative, it does seem to evoke negation depending on the tone or context it’s used in. When someone uses that phrase in a condescending, mocking tone, it feels like an insult. But if it’s employed with a wink or in a playful way, it can also be a cheeky and fun way to recognize the process of getting older.
In most instances, however, “long in the tooth” isn’t meant to be derogatory. It’s more of a jocular way of phrasing that allows us to talk about aging without dwelling too much on the less savory aspects of getting older.
The Bottom Line: Why Do We Say “Long in the Tooth”?
The origin of the phrase “long in the tooth” goes has an extensive history linked to the aging of horses. Although this term is perhaps used more often these days to describe people/things that have seen their better days, it’s still a humorous way to make light of the passing of time. Whether you apply it to someone you know, or just use it to refer to an object that’s had better times, “long in the tooth” has survived the test of time as a fun idiomatic expression.
So the next time you hear someone described as “long in the tooth,” you’ll know precisely where that expression originated and what it really means!