British English Slang – Tickety-boo or tickety boo.
OK, satisfactory or fine. Everything is in good order and as it should be. This expression is often used to indicate that things are going well or according to plan.
Tickety-boo is old-fashioned British slang, but still in use today. The phrase is thought to have originated in the British military during World War II, but its exact origins are unclear.
The idiom right as rain can be used to refer to somebody or something that is in good order or in good health.
Example:
- “I’ve already finished writing my report for Mr Jones. He checked it out and told me it was all tickety-boo!”
Learn More
Look it upWiktionary – tickety-boo: a good evergreen reference for this charming, old-fashioned expression.WiktionaryListen:
What is slang?
Slang is very informal language. It’s usually spoken rather than written, and is often used by a particular group of people or in a particular place. Slang changes over time, and using it well is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English.
Frequently Asked Questions
OK, satisfactory, or fine — everything is in good order and going as it should.
Yes, it has a charmingly old-fashioned feel, but it’s still understood and occasionally used in British English today.
It’s thought to have originated in the British military during World War II, though its exact origin is unclear — some trace it to a Hindi phrase meaning “it’s all right”.
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