“Third Wheel” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The idiom “third wheel” is used by many people in conversation and writing. Although they may know what it means, they don’t know where it comes from and why it became such a popular phrase. Here you can find both so the next time you hear or see the phrase being used, you can call yourself more knowledgeable than most. You will also discover some sentences and conversation examples, along with some alternate ways to say the phrase in conversation.

“Third Wheel” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The term “third wheel” refers to a person who is in a situation where they are accompanying a couple, often feeling out of place or unnecessary. This term typically describes someone who is neither part of the romantic pair nor involved in their relationship dynamics, leading to feelings of awkwardness or exclusion.
Third WheelPin
Third Wheel – Created by 7ESL

“Third Wheel” Meaning

The phrase “third wheel” refers to a person who is present in a situation or activity where two others are in a romantic relationship or close partnership, often making the third person feel like an outsider or unnecessary addition. It conveys a sense of awkwardness or discomfort, as the third person might feel excluded from the couple’s dynamic.

Examples:

  • “I felt like a third wheel when I joined my friends on their date.”
  • “They always invite me along, but I can’t help but feel like a third wheel.”

Origin of This Idiom

The phrase “third wheel” is derived from the phrase “fifth wheel.” “Fifth wheel” is a term that dates back to at least the 17th-century when people traveled by horse and carriage. Carriages typically had four wheels and a fifth wheel was carried aboard the carriage as a spare. This fifth wheel was considered cumbersome and often unnecessary by some. However, not all carriages at the time had four wheels. There was a two-wheel variety known as a one-horse shay. These carriages did not carry a “third wheel” but the phrase followed anyway where a spare would be thought of in the same way.

The phrase continued to be used and transferred to describing a third person in a relationship who feels uncomfortable or who makes a couple feel uncomfortable when they tag along with a couple everywhere they go.

Usage of “Third Wheel”

  • In a social context:

“I went to dinner with my friends who are a couple, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of being the third wheel.”

  • Talking about group outings:

“When my two best friends started dating, I felt like the third wheel every time we hung out together.”

  • During a conversation about relationships:

“She invited me to join their movie night, but I didn’t want to be a third wheel while they were cuddling on the couch.”

  • In a humorous context:

“At the park, I jokingly told them I was just the third wheel, but they insisted I was part of the fun.”

Related Terms to “Third Wheel”

  • Fifth wheel – similar to “third wheel,” it refers to an extra person in a social situation where they feel unnecessary, often used in contexts with more than one couple.
  • Outsider – someone who feels excluded or not part of a group or situation.
  • Tagalong – a person who accompanies others but may not be actively included in the main activity or conversation.
  • Spare wheel – another term indicating someone who is not essential or is seen as an extra in a group dynamic.
  • Interloper – someone who is unwelcome or does not belong in a particular situation or group.
  • Lone wolf – a person who prefers to operate alone, often feeling disconnected from groups or partnerships.
  • Bystander – someone who is present in a situation but is not actively involved in it.
  • Wallflower – a person who is shy or unpopular and tends to remain on the sidelines in social situations.
  • Third party – a term used to describe someone who is not directly involved in a situation or relationship.
  • In the way – an expression indicating that someone’s presence is unwelcome or obstructive in a particular situation.

Alternatives to “Third Wheel”

The term “third wheel” could be replaced with other synonymous terms or words. Some of the alternative words or terms you could use in its place include:

  • Deadwood
  • Hanger-on
  • Tag-along

“Third Wheel” Examples

Example Sentences

  • Sally and Jeremiah are often uncomfortable on their dates when Kelly comes along as a third wheel.
  • Make sure to leave your best friend at home when going out on a date; a third wheel is never a good thing.

Example Conversations

A discussion between a father and son.

  • Son: I am taking Kat out on our first date tonight.
  • Father: You want me to tag along?
  • Son: NO! I don’t think having my father as a third wheel would make a good impression.
  • Father: You are probably right.

A discussion between co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: I would like Greg to come along with us, Brian.
  • Co-worker 2: Why? It is just the two of us working on this project. Greg would just be a third wheel.
  • Co-worker 1: I know it is just the two of us, but I think Greg’s input could be quite beneficial.
Latest posts by Liam Daniel (see all)