cloud nine
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
- Popular etymology references the 1896 edition of the International Cloud Atlas which defined ten types of cloud. The book defined the ninth cloud as the cumulo-nimbus, which rises to 10 km (6.2 miles), the highest a cloud can be. No conclusive evidence, however, confirms this origin
- The 1960 print of the Dictionary of American Slang (Wentworth & Flexner) includes “cloud seven”, which seems to predate “cloud nine” by a few years. Other etymologies reference Buddhist or Christian lore, and even Dante’s Divine Comedy, but again, no evidence prefers these versions.
[edit] Noun
- (idiomatic) A state of happiness, elation or bliss; often used in the phrase on cloud nine
- He was on cloud nine for days after she agreed to marry him.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Translations
a state of happiness
|
|
