Explaining "Whatever floats your boat"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 29/10/2024, 09:52

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase "Whatever floats your boat" means to do what makes you happy or whatever pleases you.

Tone

Casual and informal

Origin

The phrase likely originated among pleasure boaters in the USA. Early uses date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s in American newspapers, where it was used figuratively to suggest doing what one enjoys or prefers. The expression builds on the idea of keeping a boat afloat, as a metaphor for maintaining personal happiness or satisfaction.

Examples of usage

If you prefer pineapple on your pizza, then go ahead—whatever floats your boat!
You like collecting stamps? That's cool, whatever floats your boat.
I wouldn't choose that paint color, but whatever floats your boat.