The phrase ‘cranks this up to eleven’ is commonly used in casual English, often to describe something being taken to an extreme level. But what exactly does it mean, and where did this expression originate? In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this phrase, particularly in the context of Southern Louisiana and its famous hospitality.
What Does ‘Cranks This Up to Eleven’ Mean?
The phrase ‘cranks this up to eleven’ is a playful expression that refers to increasing something to the maximum level or beyond what is typically expected. It is often used to describe situations where something is being intensified or taken to an extreme, surpassing the usual standard.
The origin of this phrase can be traced to the 1984 mockumentary ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ where the band’s guitarist, Nigel Tufnel, proudly shows off his amplifier, stating that it goes ‘up to eleven.’ The implication is that the amplifier is capable of producing more volume than the standard maximum of ten, making it ‘better’ and more intense. Over time, this phrase has been adopted in popular culture to refer to anything that is intensified beyond normal expectations.
How ‘Cranks This Up to Eleven’ Relates to Southern Louisiana Hospitality
In the context of Southern Louisiana, where the phrase is often used, it emphasizes the level of warmth and generosity that the region is known for. ‘Southern Hospitality’ is a term used to describe the friendly, welcoming, and polite attitude that people from the southern United States, especially Louisiana, show to guests and strangers.
When someone from Louisiana says that their hospitality ‘cranks this up to eleven,’ they are suggesting that the hospitality in their region exceeds even the typical expectations of Southern charm. It’s an exaggeration to emphasize how exceptionally welcoming and kind people are in this area—taking the concept of Southern Hospitality to an extreme level.
Examples of ‘Cranking It Up to Eleven’ in Everyday Life
While the phrase originated in pop culture, it’s often used in various situations to describe anything that has been taken to an extreme. Here are a few examples of how this phrase might be used:
- In Music: A musician might say, ‘The concert was amazing, but the encore cranked it up to eleven!’ to describe how the performance was made even more exciting or energetic during the final song.
- In Food: A chef might say, ‘This gumbo is great, but the version I made today cranks it up to eleven!’ to emphasize that the dish is exceptionally flavorful or spicy.
- In Hospitality: A guest might say, ‘The hospitality I received in Louisiana cranked it up to eleven,’ meaning that the kindness and warmth exceeded their expectations.
Why ‘Cranks It Up to Eleven’ Is Popular
The phrase is popular because it effectively conveys a sense of exaggeration and excitement. People enjoy using it to describe experiences that go beyond the ordinary, whether it’s a performance, a meal, or an act of kindness. It adds a playful and dramatic flair to the situation, making the expression both fun and impactful.
In the case of Louisiana, this phrase helps capture the essence of the region’s culture—bold, vibrant, and full of life. It’s a way to describe the unique and extraordinary nature of the hospitality that people in the area are known for, making it more memorable and impactful.
Summary
‘Cranks this up to eleven’ is a popular expression used to describe something taken to an extreme or heightened level, originally from the movie ‘This Is Spinal Tap.’ In the context of Southern Louisiana, it emphasizes the exceptional nature of the region’s hospitality, where kindness and warmth are taken beyond the typical expectations. This phrase has since been adopted in many situations to describe anything that exceeds the norm and adds an element of excitement and exaggeration.
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