hung the moon
hung the moon (hyperbole)
/hʌŋ ðə muːn/
The phrase “hung the moon” is a classic American idiom used to describe a person who is considered perfect, flawless, or exceptionally wonderful. It’s a hyperbole that elevates someone to a godlike status, as if they were capable of a divine act, such as placing the moon in the sky.
Meanings
- To be perfect and flawless in every way; to be highly esteemed and admired.
- To be a person who is capable of doing anything; to be a person of exceptional ability.
- A parent’s belief that their child is extraordinary and can do no wrong.
- To be exceptionally good at something and to have a profound influence or positive impact.
Synonyms: flawless; perfect; peerless; wonderful; excellent; magnificent; superb; exemplary; outstanding; matchless.
Variants
- hung the sun
- hung the sun and the moon
- hung the stars
- hung the sun and the stars
Example Sentences
- The way he talks about his girlfriend, you’d think she hung the moon, but she’s really just an average person.
- My grandmother thinks her youngest grandchild hung the moon and can do anything she puts her mind to.
- The new CEO is a genius who, according to his team, hung the moon and is the most brilliant leader they have ever worked for.
- She thinks her baby hung the moon, but he’s just like every other baby.
- He acts like his kids hung the sun and the moon, but they’re honestly quite average.
- The whole town talks about the new mayor like he hung the stars
Origin and History
The Country of Origin
The phrase appears to have originated in the United States. Its folksy, hyperbolic nature is characteristic of American English, particularly the regional dialects of the South. Early documented usages in newspapers and other publications strongly point to a Southern background, suggesting it was born from the everyday speech of that region.
The Earliest Recorded Mentions
The earliest known printed record of the phrase appears in a newspaper column from 1916. The widely read columnist Dorothy Dix wrote, “She looks up at you as if you had hung the moon.” This citation is often regarded as the phrase’s first documented appearance in print. A similar use appeared in 1917, and the phrase continued to surface in various regional newspapers, particularly in Texas and California, throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s.
A notable literary record is from 1953, in Vance Randolph’s collection of Ozark folklore titled Down in the Holler. The book includes the line, “Lucy… She thinks he hung the moon.” This inclusion suggests that by the mid-20th century, the phrase was a recognized part of American slang and folklore. By the 1960s, it had spread more widely, appearing in mainstream publications like Time magazine in 1967.
Theories of Popularization and Spread
The most compelling theory suggests that while Dorothy Dix may not have coined the phrase herself, she played a significant role in its popularization. As a columnist whose work reached millions of readers, her use of the idiom likely introduced it to a broader audience, helping it spread beyond its regional roots.
Another theory posits that the phrase became part of a larger trend of mid-20th-century American slang. Its appearance in folklore collections and later in national magazines indicates it had moved into common conversational use.
The Influence of Myth and Emotion
An imaginative theory on the phrase’s origin connects it to symbolic myth-making. “Hanging the moon” is an act of creation and immense power. By attributing this act to a person, the speaker is metaphorically elevating them to a mythical, divine level, often in the context of deep admiration or infatuation. This metaphorical power explains why the phrase has endured. It perfectly captures the emotional weight of seeing someone as a truly magnificent being.
The phrase has also been revived and reinforced in modern times through its use in romantic songs and poetry. These creative forms, especially in genres like country music, often use emotionally resonant expressions to convey feelings, and “hung the moon” fits that purpose perfectly.
The Double Meaning of the Idiom
While the primary use of the phrase is affectionate, it can also be used ironically or sarcastically. In this context, it suggests someone thinks too highly of themselves or is being praised to an undeserved degree. However, its most common and enduring use remains as a sincere expression of love or admiration.
In conclusion, “hung the moon” most likely originated in the American South and was first recorded in Dorothy Dix’s 1916 column. Her influence, combined with the phrase’s powerful metaphorical meaning, allowed it to become a widespread and enduring part of the American lexicon, used to express the highest form of admiration and love.
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