trip out: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘trip out’ mean?

The idiom "trip out" means to have a psychedelic experience or to become intoxicated by hallucinogenic drugs, often resulting in unusual perceptions or sensations.

Idiom Explorer

Psychedelic Mind Bender

The idiom "trip out" is commonly used in informal, colloquial English. The verb "trip" in this idiom refers to the altered state of mind experienced when under the influence of hallucinogens.

The idiom "trip out" originated in the context of 1960s counterculture and the use of hallucinogenic drugs like LSD. During this period, "trip out" was primarily used to describe the mind-altering effects of these substances, specifically the perception of vivid colors, patterns, and hallucinations. The term "trip" in this idiom directly references the psychological journey experienced while under the influence of hallucinogens.

In its literal sense, "trip out" is still commonly used to describe having a psychedelic experience or hallucination. Although the use of hallucinogenic drugs has diminished since the 1960s, the idiom has persisted and remains a part of colloquial English. People will use the idiom to describe their experiences with drugs or to refer to others' experiences as well.

Aside from its literal meaning, the idiom "trip out" can also be used more broadly to convey a sense of fascination or absorption in something extraordinary or unusual. This figurative usage implies a mesmerizing or captivating effect, similar to the intense fascination often experienced during a hallucinogenic trip. In this sense, "trip out" extends beyond drug-related contexts and can be applied to various situations where individuals become absorbed in novel or captivating experiences or phenomena.

The idiom "trip out" denotes having a psychedelic experience or hallucination. It can also be used figuratively to mean becoming absorbed or fascinated by something unusual or extraordinary.

That party was a total trip, dude!

The idiom "trip out" is closely related to the idiom "on acid." Both idioms share a connection to the counterculture and drug use of the 1960s. While "trip out" specifically refers to the altered state of mind experienced under the influence of hallucinogens, "on acid" directly references the drug LSD. Both idioms describe the vivid and psychedelic experiences associated with the use of hallucinogenic drugs.

The idiom "trip out" is also related to the idiom "get high." Both idioms describe states of altered consciousness, although "get high" is a more general term that can refer to the effects of various substances, including drugs, alcohol, or even extreme emotions. While "get high" encompasses a wide range of experiences, "trip out" specifically refers to the intense and visually stimulating experiences associated with hallucinogens.

The idiom "trip out" has its roots in 1960s counterculture and the use of hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD. It refers to the altered state of mind experienced when under the influence of hallucinogens. The term "trip" in this idiom directly references the psychological journey experienced while under the influence of hallucinogens.

In its literal sense, "trip out" is used to describe having a psychedelic experience or hallucination. Although the use of hallucinogenic drugs has diminished since the 1960s, the idiom has persisted and remains a part of colloquial English. Aside from its literal meaning, "trip out" can also be used figuratively to convey a sense of fascination or absorption in something extraordinary or unusual. This broadens the usage of the idiom beyond drug-related contexts.

The idiom "trip out" is closely related to the idiom "on acid." Both idioms share a connection to the counterculture and drug use of the 1960s. While "trip out" specifically refers to the altered state of mind experienced under the influence of hallucinogens, "on acid" directly references the drug LSD. Both idioms describe the vivid and psychedelic experiences associated with the use of hallucinogenic drugs.

The idiom "trip out" is also related to the idiom "get high." Both idioms describe states of altered consciousness. While "get high" is a more general term that can refer to the effects of various substances, "trip out" specifically refers to the intense and visually stimulating experiences associated with hallucinogens.

Overall, the idiom "trip out" originated from the counterculture and drug use of the 1960s, specifically referring to the mind-altering effects of hallucinogens. With its literal meaning intact, the idiom continues to be used to describe psychedelic experiences or hallucinations. Its figurative usage signifies being absorbed or fascinated by something extraordinary or unusual. The idiom's presence within colloquial English reflects its enduring influence, despite the diminishing popularity of hallucinogenic drugs. The multifaceted nature of "trip out" allows it to capture both the literal and figurative dimensions of altered states of consciousness and captivating experiences. As language evolves, it will be fascinating to observe how this idiom continues to adapt and retain its relevance in contemporary contexts.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "trip out" can be used in a sentence:

  1. I took some hallucinogenic drugs and started to trip out at the music festival.
  2. Watching that mind-bending movie made me trip out and question reality.
  3. Her vibrant artwork makes you trip out and see things in a whole new way.

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