The phrase “do me a solid” is a phrase that some readers and writers may not have been introduced to before. Reading this article should make understanding this phrase easier. This simple guide will clearly explain the meaning and origin of the phrase “do me a solid”.
What Does “Do Me A Solid” Mean?
The phrase “do me a solid” is fairly straightforward. The expression “do me a solid” means to do something for someone else as an act of kindness, or to do someone a favour. The phrase implies that the favour will be appreciated and returned.
By incorporating the word “solid” into the phrase “do me a solid”, the phrase can also refer to something that is tangible or real. This could be something dependable and trustworthy, such as a solid handshake.
The word “solid” is used to define the fact that this favour is one of substance and will be appreciated, as opposed to a simple or quick task.
Describing someone as “solid” implies that someone is reliable. Reliable people can be trusted to do someone a favour, or “do someone a solid”.
What Is The Origin Of “Do Me A Solid”?
The precise origins of “do me a solid” remain unclear. The origins are thought to date from the 1960s, but the phrase became popular by a TV show in the 1990s, Seinfield. Following “do me a solid” being used in the show, the phrase surged in popularity.
Indeed, many people don’t recall hearing the phrase at all until the Seinfield usage, first broadcast in “The Jacket” in 1991. Others were first introduced to the phrase during the 1970s, when it was a common West Coast USA surfer expression.
However, an early reference to the phrase was made in Time Magazine illustrating early connections between the phrase “do me a solid” and similar expressions implying a sense of “favour”.
The origins of the phrase “do me a solid” can also be traced back to jazz slang of the 1920s-1940s. The word “solid” became a characteristic of language used by jazz musicians in conversation and in music, when describing something as “great” or “okay”.
Examples Of How To Use “Do Me A Solid” In A Sentence
To help you to understand the meaning of the phrase “do me a solid” and how to use this phrase, take time to note the following examples of sentences that include the phrase “do me a solid”.
- Hey Pete, can you do me a solid and help me move this heavy sofa?
- She was trying to do me a solid and help me find the keys I had lost.
- Sam felt he had let her down, so he wanted to do her a solid.
- Please, just do me a solid. I would do the same for you.
- I will do you a solid, because you are a good customer.
- Do me a solid and help me with this homework please. I’m find it difficult.
Is “Do Me A Solid” Slang?
Whilst the phrase “do me a solid” is used by many in informal conversation and sentences and the specific origins are difficult to trace, the phrase is widely regarded as an informal US slang expression.
The term “slang” refers to a type of language consisting of phrases or words that are seen to be very informal. Often in slang expression, phrases and words are shortened.
The most likely suggestion is that this slang expression was a truncation of the longer, more formal phrase: “do me a solid favour”.
The phrase “do me a solid” has also been connected to wording implying drug use, such as “solid dope” and “solid hash”.
Is “Do Me A Solid” Used Differently In The UK and The US?
Over the years, the phrase “do me a solid” has been used in sentences more in the US than in the UK.
Furthermore, as times passes the phrase “do me a solid” has been used more frequently.
This graph from Google Ngram Viewer illustrates the usage of “do me a solid” in the UK during the time period 1800 to 2019. The line in blue represents the usage of “do me a solid”.
As you can see from viewing the graph, the phrase “do me a solid” was not used at all in the UK until 1970 and began to be used at a steadily increasing rate in 2004.
In comparison, this graph from Google Ngram Viewer depicts the usage of “do me a solid” in the US during the time period 1800 to 2019. The line in blue represents the usage of “do me a solid”.
As you can observe from viewing this graph, the phrase “do me a solid” was not used at all in the US until 1960 and began to be used at a steadily increasing rate in 1990.
Therefore, the US first began to use the phrase “do me a solid” at an earlier time period than the UK, and the US began to use this phrase more frequently than the UK at an earlier time.
“Do Me A Solid” – Synonyms
A synonym is a word that means the same or nearly the same as another word.
There is a range of synonyms for the phrase “do me a solid”, which can be used in writing and spoken conversation. Some helpful examples are included below:
- Do me a favour
- Do something for me
- Could you do me a favour
- Cut me a break
- Do me a kindness
- Do me the courtesy
- Do one thing for me
- Could you do me a small favour
- Could you do me a big favour
Final Thoughts
“Do me a solid” is an informal slang expression, meaning to do something for someone else as an act of kindness, or to do someone a favour. The phrase has also been used in other contexts, such as implying drug use. The origins of the phrase are unclear, but “do me a solid” became used more frequently after the phrase appeared in the TV show Seinfield, in the 1990s.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
