“Wax Poetic” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 9, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Wax poetic” is the most frequently used idiomatic phrase that uses the word “wax” in a descriptive sense. If you have encountered this phrase and wanted to know more about it, then you have landed in the right spot. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and the available information about its origin. You will also be provided with some sentences and conversation examples to illustrate how the phrase is used correctly. Alternative suggestions will also be provided so you can discover some other options for using this phrase to convey the same meaning.

“Wax Poetic” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “wax poetic” means to speak or write about something in an elaborate, expressive, and often sentimental manner. It suggests that the speaker is using flowery, imaginative, or romantic language to discuss a topic at length, almost as if they are composing a poem.
Wax Poetic
Wax Poetic – Created by 7ESL

“Wax Poetic” Meaning

The phrase “wax poetic” means to speak or write in a fanciful, elaborate, or overly expressive manner, often about a subject that evokes deep emotions or romantic sentiments. It suggests a flowery or poetic style of communication, where the speaker expresses thoughts in an artistic or lyrical way.

Examples:

  • “When she talks about her travels, she tends to wax poetic about the beauty of the landscapes.”
  • “He began to wax poetic about the joys of autumn and the changing leaves.”

Origin of this Idiomatic Phrase

The origin of this phrase was once thought to come from the descriptive phrases used to describe the phases of the moon. The moon is said to be waxing or waning according to the amount of the surface of the moon that you can see at night. However, the use of the word “wax” in this phrase predates the terms used to describe the moon. Describing the moon as waxing or waning did not come about until well after the word “wax” was used in a form that meant “to grow” which was recorded in the year 1560.

The first use of the phrase “wax poetic” occurred in 1872 in a piece of writing titled How I Found Livingstone by author Sir Henry Morton Stanley. Before this phrase, “wax eloquent” was used first and “wax lyrical” was used after, but “wax poetic” is the most often used today.

Usage of “Wax Poetic”

  • In a conversation about a hobby:

“She could wax poetic about her love for gardening, describing every flower in vivid detail.”

  • Talking about someone’s passion:

“Whenever he talks about his travels, he tends to wax poetic about the sunsets he’s seen.”

  • In a romantic context:

“He would wax poetic about how beautiful she looked, comparing her to the stars and the moon.”

  • Describing someone’s enthusiasm:

“At the dinner table, he began to wax poetic about his favorite novel, passionately explaining every theme and character.”

Related Terms to “Wax Poetic”

  • Flowery language – elaborate and decorative speech or writing, often overly ornate.
  • Poetic – having the qualities of poetry; expressive and imaginative.
  • Eloquent – fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing; articulate.
  • Lyrical – expressing emotions in a beautiful or poetic way; melodious.
  • Rhapsodize – to speak or write about something with great enthusiasm and delight.
  • Romanticize – to make something seem more appealing or attractive than it is, often in a sentimental manner.
  • Ramble – to speak or write in a lengthy and confusing way, often losing focus.
  • Articulate – able to express thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.
  • Expressive – effectively conveying thoughts and emotions, often in a vivid way.
  • Paint a picture – to describe something in a detailed and imaginative way, creating a vivid mental image.

Alternatives to “Wax Poetic”

There are many other words and phrases available that you can use in substitution for the phrase “wax poetic” that will still convey the same meaning. Some of these alternatives include:

  • Grow enthusiastically
  • Speak excitedly
  • Speak poetically

“Wax Poetic” Examples

Example Sentences

  • You can tell a man has fallen for a woman when he begins to wax poetic.
  • You can tell someone is passionate about a topic when they begin to wax poetic.

Example Conversations

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: I wish Bill would stop gushing about his girlfriend all the time.
  • Friend 2: Yes, it is just a tab bit annoying.
  • Friend 1: Indeed! His ability to wax poetic day in and day out about her is amazing though.

A conversation between two co-workers in the office.

  • Co-worker 1: The manager seems to be very passionate about the project.
  • Co-worker 2: I got that impression too when he began to wax poetic in the meeting yesterday.
  • Co-worker 1: Yes, he showed some great enthusiasm.
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