The phrase "what in the carnation" is an informal, intrigued or bewildered expression used to question something unusual, shocking, or surprising. It originates from the seemingly innocuous appearance of the carnation flower, which hides a distinctive, strong center stem, making it a metaphor for unexpected revelations or hidden truths.
In everyday conversation, this phrase acts as a substitute for more explicit exclamations, like "what the heck" or "what on earth," but is considered more family-friendly and light-hearted. It's often used to express puzzlement over an absurd or bizarre situation, or to contrast something's seemingly innocuous surface with its underlying complexity.
Origins and Etymology
The exact origins of the phrase "what in the carnation" are contested, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 2000s as an internet meme. It likely started as a humorous rework of the classic exclamation "what in the world," replacing "world" with "carnation" to create a catchier, more unexpected phrase.
The carnation's role in this expression is intriguing. Unlike other flowers, carnations have a tough, wood-like core, symbolizing the unexpected or hidden aspects of situations that inspire this reaction.
Comparison with Other Expressions
This phrase is not to be confused with "what in tarnation," an archaic exclamation of annoyance or surprise that predates "what in the carnation" by centuries. The former is an edited variation of an old cursing phrase, while the latter is a playful, metaphorical expression rooted in modern internet culture.
Additionally, it's distinct from "what in the Sam Hill" or "what in the name of Sam Hill," regional American phrases used to express surprise or puzzlement, with an unknown etymology for the phrase "in the name of Sam Hill."
Usage and Context
"What in the carnation" is typically used in spoken language, often in conversation or on social media platforms like Twitter or Reddit. It's a casual, conversational phrase that doesn't carry the same level of formality or gravitas as more traditional exclamations.
For example, one might say, "I got a C on my math test. What in the carnation, I studied all night!" or, "I just found out our quiet neighbor is a famous pop star. What in the carnation?"
Popular Culture and Internet Memes
The phrase gained significant traction online, inspiring numerous internet memes and graphics. Its catchy, unexpected nature and relative innocence made it appealing for humor and irony, landing it in various online forums, blogs, and social media posts.
Many memes feature images of carnations or flowers, contrasting them with absurd or unexpected scenarios to drive home the humor of the expression.
Fictional Examples and References
While not widely used in mainstream media or literature, the phrase has made occasional appearances in various forms of media. For example, in a 2017 episode of "Saturday Night Live," comedian Pete Davidson said, "What in the carnation, California?" during a spoof segment about celebrities moving to the state.
Similarly, a 2019 online comic by webcomic artist Ethan,\* entitled "The Deep State," features characters using the phrase in a dialogue, highlighting the offensiveness of certain political ideologies:
"There's a mole in the office!" ^ ░ ^
"What in the carnation?!"
Another example is a 2021 TikTok video where a user plasticsurgeryfacts shares their bewilderment about celebrity plastic surgery, saying, "Did she get a boob job? What in the carnation?"
These references represent the phrase's infiltration into popular culture, albeit on a smaller scale than some other internet memes.
In conclusion, while "what in the carnation" may not be a mainstream expression, its unique origin story, metaphorical nature, and internet-driven popularity make it a distinctive addition to our linguistic landscape. Its use in popular culture and its memetic potential highlight the vibrancy and unpredictability of language in the digital age. Who knows what other fascinating phrases await discovery in the ever-blooming world of internet culture?