Meaning
What does Let’s blow this popsicle stand mean?
The expression let’s blow this popsicle stand is an alternative, funny way of saying “let’s get out of here” or “let’s get a move on”. It’s usually when you are getting bored of a place or you want to go somewhere more fun.
You are at the bar, chilling with your mates, when you check your clock and see that you have been idle for way too long, and it’s time to go ahead to the next stop of the evening. That’s when you, the humor king, tell them “let’s blow this popsicle stand!”.
The phrase is mainly used by white people in the US, and some claim that it has been worn out and is not even funny anymore. But that won’t stop the middle aged dads from saying it!
Origin
What's the origin of Let’s blow this popsicle stand?
“Let’s blow this popsicle stand” was first cited in the Minneapolis Morning Tribune in 1955.
In the article “Just Ask: How did you kids dig the first day of school?” on page 37, the following text is seen:
‘Man, those teachers. They’re typical, crazy mixed-up squares. They can’t even dig bop talk, let alone teach it. Why don’t they get hep? I think I’ll blow this popcorn stand.’
Ever since, we can see variations such as “popcorn stand”, “popsicle stand” and sometimes just “pop stand”.
Spread & Usage
How did Let’s blow this popsicle stand spread?
Apart from being an expression to get your buddies moving, “let’s blow this popsicle stand” is often seen in media and pop-culture.
Chapter 11 of the teen fantasy book “The Descendants of Evil” is called “Blow This Popsicle Stand”, and the chapter finishes with the protagonist using the expression.
It is also mentioned in “A Nightmare On Elm Street: The Dream Child” from 1989, “The Blues Brothers” from 1980, and in the TV Series “Mork & Mindy” from the mid 70’s, among many more titles.
The expression has been widespread ever since it was first invented.
External resources
- Urban Dictionary – Let’s blow this popsicle stand