The idiom “have a ball” means to have a great time or a lot of fun, and originally referred to high-class masquerade events. It was initially used sarcastically, but has since become more positive. It can still be used sarcastically depending on tone of voice.
“A good old time”, “an explosion”, “a ball” – these are all things that are good to have when the meaning is right. All three sentences refer only to a great time or a lot of fun. Someone who is leaving on vacation, for example, might be told to “have a dance.”
On the surface, one might think that the idiom “have a ball” refers to a beach ball, baseball, or other sports ball. Does this make sense; after all, if someone has one of these in their hand, that person is most likely enjoying it. Professional baseball players might literally have a ball and not have much fun because they’re working, but to most people it seems logical that if someone instructs someone else with this phrase, it’s a metaphor for fun.
In fact, this idiom actually goes back further in history. Balls, or masquerade events, were once the height of the social season in many countries. These high-class affairs were mostly frequented by upper-class people. The finest attire, including top hats, tuxedos, satin or velvet ball gowns, and sparkly, genuine jewelry were common or even expected at these events. The expression “to have a ball,” which appeared in print as slang in the 1920s, actually refers to these affairs. Initially, however, the phrase “to have a ball” had a slightly sarcastic or ironic tone, as if the benefactor were qualifying the wish.
However, this idiom has mellowed and moved to a more genteel stance. It is no longer something that has to be wished on another person. Now, a person reporting on the previous night’s date or a vacation may say, “I had a real ball!” However, that’s not to say the phrase has lost its potential for sarcasm. A slight change in tone of voice can let the listener know that last night’s date, while verbally described as “a dance,” was actually the furthest thing from it.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
