Fish Don’t Fry in the Kitchen – Meaning Explained

“Fish don’t fry in the kitchen” is a confusing expression at first glance. Rest assured, it has a completely reasonable meaning. This article will comprehensively explain what “fish don’t fry in the kitchen” means. After reading this article, you will have no more doubts about what the expression means.

Fish Don’t Fry in the Kitchen – Meaning

“Fish don’t fry in the kitchen” is a phrase that refers to moving up in life. The phrase talks about the fact that you’re no longer frying fish, but rather eating outside of your house. “Fish don’t fry in the kitchen” seems like a weird expression, but is actually reasonable.

Fish Don't Fry in the Kitchen Meaning

If someone says that “fish don’t fry in the kitchen,” they’re saying that they have grown in wealth. That they don’t need to fry fish in the kitchen anymore.

It’s a fairly metaphorical phrase. This means that if someone uses it, they’re not talking about literally frying fish. Rather, frying fish is a metaphor for having less money.

Fish Don’t Fry in the Kitchen – Origin

“Fish don’t fry in the kitchen” comes from the theme song to the television show “The Jeffersons”. In the TV show, the titular Jeffersons have grown in wealth. So, the theme song points out the fact that “fish don’t fry in the kitchen” anymore.

In fact, the full phrase from the theme song is longer. It goes “fish don’t fry in the kitchen, beans don’t burn on the grill”. The full phrase keeps the exact same meaning.

This phrase has also been used in a rap song, as a reference to the theme song. The song “Batter Up” by rapper “Nelly” includes a section where he quotes the theme song.

Fish Don’t Fry in the Kitchen – Synonyms

“Fish don’t fry in the kitchen” refers to the idea that someone has more money than they did before. There are several phrases that express the same thing as “fish don’t fry in the kitchen”. Here we’ve compiled several synonyms that you can use instead:

  • Beans don’t burn on the grill
  • I don’t need to cook my own food
  • I can afford to eat out

Correct Ways to Say “Fish Don’t Fry in the Kitchen”

“Fish don’t fry in the kitchen” is a saying that has been around for a while. Naturally, there are several ways in which you can use this phrase. Here are some of the most standard version of the phrase:

  • Fish aren’t frying in the kitchen
  • Fish don’t fry in the kitchen anymore
  • You won’t find fish frying in the kitchen

Incorrect Ways to Use “Fish Don’t Fry in the Kitchen”

“Fish don’t fry in the kitchen” is an expression that people misuse. The most common incorrect use is for people to use the phrase to mean that someone has no money. The assumption here is that the fish isn’t frying because they cannot afford it.

This is completely incorrect. The fish isn’t frying anymore because they don’t need it to.

In What Situations Can You Use “Fish Don’t Fry in the Kitchen”?

You can use this expression if you find yourself in an improved economic situation that significantly impacts your life. That’s the perfect opportunity for you to reference this classic saying about eating out instead of cooking. You can also use this phrase to describe other people.

You can use this phrase to describe someone you know who has suddenly acquired a lot more money. They can afford to eat out now, so they’re not frying fish anymore.