“Let’s Blow This Popsicle Stand” – Meaning & Origin Explained

What does it mean to “blow this popsicle stand?” You may have heard this expression before, but do you know where it comes from? This article will explore the meaning and origin of this phrase and also discuss how to use it in a sentence. 

What Does “Let’s Blow This Popsicle Stand” Mean?

“Let’s blow this popsicle stand” is a colloquial way of saying let’s leave this place. It is a way of saying that you are bored with your current situation and are ready for something new. “Let’s blow this popsicle stand” is a slang expression that simply means, let’s leave. 

Let's Blow This Popsicle Stand meaning origin

Here are further examples to explain its usage.

  • This place is giving me the creeps, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • I’m tired of shopping, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • I’ve had enough of your nonsense, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • This party is a drag, let’s blow this popsicle stand.

What Is The Origin Of “Let’s Blow This Popsicle Stand”?

Antoine Cleo, a Jamaican, is credited with coining the phrase in the 1940s. Antoine was a little nutty. He thought that putting nuclear materials in the space of a popsicle might be used as a biological warfare agent against nations.

According to Antoine Cleo, these “weapons” would be able to generate radiation that could control the minds of those who came into direct contact with it.

Antoine’s global domination ambitions, however, came to an abrupt halt when a cult known as “The Kindred Spirits” decided to destroy all the popsicle stands in major cities. Alas, Antoine was murdered in one of the attacks.

The earliest known use of the phrase is from the 1955 film “Kiss Me Deadly”. In the film, private investigator Mike Hammer says the line to his assistant Velda after she suggests they leave a party they’re both attending.

The phrase “let’s blow this popsicle stand” became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, likely due to its use in the film. It continues to be used today, though it is not as common as it once was. If you hear someone say “let’s blow this popsicle stand”, they probably want to leave wherever they are and go somewhere else.

The word became more widespread in 1875 and then gained popularity in 2015, according to this Google Ngram Viewer graph.

blow this popsicle stand english usage

Examples Of How To Use “Let’s Blow This Popsicle Stand” In A Sentence

The phrase “let’s blow this popsicle stand” is a great way to tell someone that you’re ready to leave. Here are examples of how you can use this phrase in a sentence:

  • It’s getting late, so let’s blow this popsicle stand and go home.
  • I’m bored of this party, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • This place is a dive, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • I’m not feeling well, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • I’ve had enough of your crap, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • This date is going nowhere, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • I don’t think I can take any more of your family, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • Let’s get out of here before we get caught, let’s blow this popsicle stand.
  • Are you ready to go? Yeah, I’m ready to blow this popsicle stand.
  • I think it’s time we ended this meeting, let’s blow this popsicle stand.

Other Variations Of “Let’s Blow This Popsicle Stand”

So, now that we know the meaning behind the phrase, let’s take a look at some of the other variations of this popular saying.

  • Let’s get out of here.
  • This place is a dump.
  • I’ve had enough of this place.
  • I’m done with this place.
  • I’m outta here.