Dictionary

full of beans en · ADJ · etymology 1

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Etymology

Attested since the 1840s. Possibly a reference to coffee beans. Attributed to Robert Strang.

Meanings

1. (idiomatic) Energetic and enthusiastic.
   • "The antibiotics are working a treat and he's full of beans. Too many beans, actually. He's asleep now." She gestured to the chaos of the sitting room. 2010, Yvonne Lindsay, For the Sake of the Secret Child, page 68:
   • Irwin's friend Chris White reflected on a friendship that began in 1975. . . . "Full of beans, full of life, gung-ho, fearless, tenacious at anything he attempted." 2006 September 6, Karen Thomas, Lindsey Arkley, “World mourns 'Crocodile Hunter'”, in USA Today, retrieved 06 Nov 2008:
   • "What do you mean by the expression 'Bucks you up'?" "Well, makes you full of beans, you know. Makes you fizz." "I don't understand a word you say. You're English, aren't you?" 1919, P. G. Wodehouse, “The Aunt and the Sluggard”, in My Man Jeeves:

Forms

Relateds

be on one's beanwater

Synonyms

feeling one's oats · full of piss and vinegar

full of beans en · ADJ · etymology 2

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Etymology

Attested since the 1930s. A euphemistic form of full of shit.

Meanings

1. (US, idiomatic) Incorrect; uninformed; exaggerating or expressing falsehood.
   • Anybody who tells you that they know what today's readers want is full of beans. 2008 March 31, David Carr, “Talk to the Newsroom: David Carr, Culture Reporter and Business Columnist”, in New York Times, retrieved 06 Nov 2008:
   • McCain says he can save $100 billion in earmarks, but he's full of beans. 2008, Paul Begala, Third Term: Why George W. Bush ♥ John McCain, page 73:

Forms

Synonyms

full of shit (uninformed, expressing falsehood)