“Tall Drink of Water”: The Meaning & Origins of this Unique Expression

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Learn how to use this idiom, plus other equally peculiar ones
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Have you ever heard the phrase “tall drink of water”? If so, you may be a bit confused, and that’s understandable! This phrase or idiom isn’t as commonly used today, and when it pops up in books or movies, it may leave you asking, “Huh?” A “tall drink of water” or “tall glass of water” is an old-school way of saying someone is tall and attractive; however, it has some fairly offensive roots. In this article, we’ll define this idiom and share its fascinating origins. So, stop scratching your head and keep reading to learn more!

"Tall Drink of Water" Idiom: Quick Overview

When someone is described as a “tall drink of water,” it means they’re tall and physically attractive. This idiom or expression is believed to date back to the 19th century.

Section 1 of 4:

What does “tall drink of water” mean?

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  1. When someone says someone is a “tall drink of water,” “tall glass of water,” or “long drink of water,” they’re usually complimenting them—they think they’re physically appealing. They’re exclaiming that the person is slim, tall, long-legged, and beautiful. In other words, it’s an informal way to say, “Whoa, you’re tall,” or “Hey, you’re pretty!”
    • This phrase or idiom can still be found in some of today’s pop culture. For example:
      • In the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption , Morgan Freeman’s character (Ellis) refers to Tim Robbins’ character (Andy) as a “tall drink of water with a silver spoon up his [butt]” to describe Andy’s fine appearance. [1]
      • The 2002 Rascal Flatts song “Dry Country Girl” has the lyrics, “A tall drink of water in a cotton dress. That preacher’s daughter, she sure is blessed.”
      • In Disney’s Tangled , one of the thugs says when laying eyes on Mother Gothel, “Whoa! Somebody get me a glass because I just found me a tall drink of water."
  2. It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone views this phrase as a compliment. Some find the idiom offensive and derogatory, as it’s most commonly used to objectify women and comment on their physical stature.
    • Because of this, it may be best to avoid referring to people you don't know as a "tall drink of water" since they may take it the wrong way.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use “Tall Drink of Water”

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  1. While this idiom isn’t as widely used today, it can still be used to describe someone’s appearance more metaphorically. If you see someone with lengthy limbs and an overall fine physique, consider describing them to a friend as a “tall glass of water.”
    • As mentioned above, be careful when using this phrase, as some may find it offensive or derogatory.
Section 3 of 4:

“Tall Drink of Water” History & Origins

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  1. Possibly the first written record of the phrase, a newspaper in Huron, SD, from May 7, 1904, mentions a frail baby as “not much larger than a long drink of water .” [2] This can be assumed to refer to the baby’s short stature or small size.
  2. Novelist Robert Ritchie published a novel titled Trail to Two Moons in 1920. The story follows a man named Jack Sumner who explores the American wilderness. On his journey, Jack meets several individuals, including a man he nicknames “Long Drink of Water” in reference to his sickly appearance: “after his fiery interview with Von Tromp, Strayman said casually to his assistant— A-Long-Drink-of-Water the town denominated this spare, rather sickly young man.” [3]
  3. Sainsbury’s 1924 work A Last Scrap Book mentions the use of a “long drink of water” extensively. It is in this reference that a “long drink of water” or “tall drink of water” is used to describe an unhappy-looking man: [4]
    • “We turn, my brethren, to the other incident, and the sole utterance of any note in it is the description by one member of another as ‘You great big long drink-of-water !’ There may, of course, have been some esoteric meaning in this. Even exoterically, if the accuser intended to intimate the superiority of whisky to water or the necessity of a coalition between two things…But how flat it is, flat as is not even every drink of water! How destitute of the slightest laughter-provoking quality!”
  4. The first complementary appearance of the phrase is believed to appear in Billboard ’s 1963 September 14th issue. An article highlighting actress Ruth Gillis describes her as “ a tall drink of water with an excellent voice and delivery, is also a delight.” [5]
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Section 4 of 4:

Similar Idioms

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  1. “Tall drink of water” isn’t the only idiom you’ll find in the English language. Over the years, countless idioms have been recorded and used. Some of those include: [6]
    • “A dime a dozen”: Something common
    • “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”: You can offer someone something, but you can’t make them take it
    • “Cutting corners”: Doing something poorly to save time or money
    • “Let the cat out of the bag”: Give away a secret
    • “Drink like a fish”: Drinking too much alcohol
    • “Like a fish out of water”: Feeling uncomfortable in a situation
    • “Tall story”: A story that’s not true or unbelievable
    • “Water under the bridge”: Something that belongs in the past that isn’t important anymore
    • “Beating around the bush”: Someone is avoiding something directly [7]
    • “It’s raining cats and dogs”: It’s raining heavily

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      • It’s important to note that “tall drink of water” and “long drink of water” have been used interchangeably since the 19th century, with their meanings dependent on tone and context.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/sD07V7Lwacc?t=82
      2. ↑ https://etymology.kenliss.com/blog/long-drink-of-water/
      3. ↑ https://www.google.com/books/edition/Trails_to_Two_Moons/xrdEAAAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=long%20drink
      4. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=Bds-AAAAIAAJ&q=%22long+drink+of+water%22&dq=%22long+drink+of+water%22&hl=en&sa=X&ei=CL4UVcGwB4i0ogSH_YH4DQ&ved=0CEYQ6AEwBw#v=snippet&q=%22long%20drink%20of%20water%22&f=false
      5. ↑ https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1963/Billboard%201963-09-14.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.ef.edu/english-resources/english-idioms/
      7. ↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-idiom-definition-examples

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