Isla Bennett
Nailed it is an expression used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. It is often used sarcastically to refer to efforts that have comically failed. The phrase dates back to at least the 1970s, according to Green's Dictionary of Slang, and has been used by professionals in a variety of contexts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Successful, skillful or clever completion or performance of something |
| Accomplishment or achievement | |
| Something done very well | |
| Something done immaculately | |
| Usage | Often used sarcastically to refer to efforts that comically failed |
| Used as a sarcastic caption for photos of craft projects, cooking experiments, photo recreations and other similar efforts that turn out very badly | |
| Used sincerely to celebrate an achievement | |
| Used as a hashtag on social media sites such as Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter | |
| History | Dates back to at least the 1970s, according to Green's Dictionary of Slang |
| The Roman poet Horace used a phrase that roughly equates to the modern concept of 'nailed it' |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The phrase 'nailed it' is used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something
- It can be used sarcastically to refer to efforts that comically failed
- The phrase is often used as a hashtag on social media sites such as Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
- The phrase can be traced back to the Roman poet Horace, who wrote in Latin
- A carpenter might say 'nailed it' when referring to a piece of wooden craftsmanship that has all its nails hammered in their proper place
The phrase 'nailed it' is used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something
The phrase "nailed it" is used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. It is often used sarcastically to refer to efforts that have comically failed, such as when a photo of a goal is juxtaposed with an attempt that has gone wrong. The phrase can be traced back to the Roman poet Horace, who wrote in Latin, and is thought to have originated from the idea that in order to successfully drive a nail into a surface, you must hit it just right so that the nail goes in straight.
Black Nails: Expression, Style, and What It Says About You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be used sarcastically to refer to efforts that comically failed
The expression 'nailed it' is often used to refer to the successful, skillful or clever completion or performance of something. However, it can also be used sarcastically to refer to efforts that comically failed. This slang dates back to at least the 1970s, according to Green's Dictionary of Slang. The phrase originates from the idea that, in order to successfully drive a nail into a surface, it's not enough to simply hit the nailhead – you must hit it just right so that the nail goes in straight.
'Nailed it' is often used as a sarcastic caption added to photos of craft projects, cooking experiments, photo recreations, and other similar efforts that turn out very badly. Usually, a photo of the goal is juxtaposed with the effort that 'nailed it' for humour. For instance, a photo of beautiful melted crayon art might be shown alongside a photo of the poster's rather misshapen efforts to replicate it, captioned 'nailed it'.
The phrase is also often used as a hashtag – #nailedit – on social media sites such as Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter. This can be either sincere, to celebrate an achievement, or sarcastic.
The Roman poet Horace, who wrote in Latin, used a phrase that roughly translates to our concept of the term 'nailed it', meaning to have done something immaculately. He is not necessarily credited as having coined the phrase, but his wide audience quickly took it up and incorporated it into the vernacular. As civilisations developed and the range of careers and occupations began to diversify, the phrase took on new meanings in a variety of contexts. For example, a carpenter might say 'nailed it' to mean that a piece of wooden craftsmanship had all its nails hammered in their proper place.
White Nails: Urban Dictionary's Take on This Trend
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The phrase is often used as a hashtag on social media sites such as Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter
The phrase 'nailed it' is often used as a hashtag on social media sites such as Tumblr, Instagram, and Twitter. The hashtag can be used either sincerely or sarcastically. When used sincerely, it is a way of celebrating an achievement or commenting on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. For example, 'Wow, you really nailed that debate last night!'. The phrase can also be used sarcastically, often as a caption for photos of craft projects, cooking experiments, or photo recreations that have turned out badly.
The phrase 'nailed it' is thought to have originated with the Roman poet Horace, who wrote in Latin. Although he is not necessarily credited as having coined the phrase, his wide audience quickly took it up and incorporated it into the vernacular. As civilisations developed and the range of careers and occupations began to diversify, the phrase took on new meanings in a variety of contexts. For example, a carpenter might say 'nailed it' to mean that a piece of wooden craftsmanship had all its nails hammered in their proper place.
Understanding Nail Art: LB and D Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The phrase can be traced back to the Roman poet Horace, who wrote in Latin
The phrase 'nailed it' is used to comment on the successful, skillful or clever completion or performance of something. It can also be used sarcastically to refer to efforts that have comically failed. The phrase can be traced back to the Roman poet Horace, who wrote in Latin. Horace used a phrase that roughly equates to our modern-day concept of 'nailed it', meaning to have done something immaculately. Although he is not necessarily credited as having coined the phrase, his wide audience quickly took it up and incorporated it into their vernacular. As civilisations developed and the range of careers and occupations began to diversify, the phrase took on new meanings in a variety of contexts. For example, a carpenter might say 'nailed it' to mean that a piece of wooden craftsmanship has all its nails hammered in their proper place.
Why Do Toddlers Pick Their Nails?
You may want to see also
A carpenter might say 'nailed it' when referring to a piece of wooden craftsmanship that has all its nails hammered in their proper place
'Nailed it' is an expression used to comment on the successful, skillful or clever completion or performance of something. It can be used sarcastically to refer to efforts that have comically failed. The phrase dates back to at least the 1970s, according to Green's Dictionary of Slang.
The phrase 'nailed it' is often used as a sarcastic caption added to photos of craft projects, cooking experiments, photo recreations, and other similar efforts that have turned out very badly. For example, a photo of beautiful melted crayon art might be shown alongside a photo of the poster's rather misshapen efforts to replicate it, captioned 'nailed it'. The phrase is also often used as a hashtag on social media sites such as Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter, either sincerely or sarcastically.
The Roman poet Horace, who wrote in Latin, used a phrase that roughly translates to our concept of 'nailed it', meaning to have done something immaculately.
Understanding Siding Nail Gun Degree Numbers and Their Importance
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
'Nailed it' is an expression used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. It can be used sincerely or sarcastically.
The phrase 'nailed it' dates back to at least the 1970s, according to Green's Dictionary of Slang. However, the Roman poet Horace used a phrase in Latin that roughly translates to 'nailed it' to mean doing something immaculately.
You can use 'nailed it' to comment on something you or someone else has done well, for example, 'Wow, you really nailed that debate last night!'
For a carpenter, 'nailed it' might mean that a piece of wooden craftsmanship has all its nails hammered in their proper place.
