Tickled Pink

For some reason, many common idiomatic expressions in English have something to do with colors.

One such phrase is “tickled pink” which means “to be delighted.”

This is one of the least confusing expressions as far as meaning and origin is concerned. The following  will explain where this came from and why it means what it does.

Tickled Pink

Normally, the word “tickle” means “fazer cócegas.” However, in this expression, “tickle” means “to give pleasure or gratify.” The concept of “tickling pink” is of enjoyment so great that it makes a person glow or blush with pleasure. Blushing makes one’s cheeks turn pink, hence the phrase “tickled pink.” Here is an example of how this expression is used:

Since I had not visited them in three years, they were tickled pink to see me.

Here is another example of how this expression is used:

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b168793_seth_green_tickled_pink_over_engagement.html

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