Whatever floats your boat

idiom

- whatever makes one happy; whatever interests or excites (one)

- used to say that someone can do or use whatever they like

Farlex Dictionary, Longman Dictionary

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PHRASE ORIGIN

The phrase likely originates from the 1970s or 1980s in American English and is linked to the idea of a boat floating on water, symbolizing something that keeps you buoyant or happy. The expression gained traction in pop culture, including a reference in the 1980s song 'Whatever Floats Your Boat' by Buster Poindexter. Its imagery suggests that just as different boats need different conditions to stay afloat, people have unique preferences that suit them.

"Whatever floats your boat" has a casual and humorous tone. It’s commonly used in friendly conversations — often in a neutral or slightly humorous way to show that you don’t judge what someone wants to do — even if you wouldn’t choose it yourself.

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TOLERANCE KEEPS US AFLOAT



The phrase “Whatever floats your boat" captures a fundamentally American ideal — that personal liberty includes the freedom to pursue happiness in one’s own peculiar way,… as long as one doesn't harm others.

The nautical metaphor is quite fitting; just as different boats require different conditions to stay afloat — some need deep water, others shallow; some are designed to weather storms, others calm seas.

In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about everyone else's, our today’s OWAD underlines the alternative: acceptance of diversity — it's what makes the harbour interesting. After all, imagine how boring the marina would be if every boat were exactly the same.

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

Different strokes for different folks, Do as you please, Do your thing, Do whatever you like — it’s your choice!, Follow your bliss, If that's your thing, Suit yourself, To each their own, WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT, Whatever makes you happy, Whatever suits you, Whatever tickles your fancy, Whatever works for you, You do you

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SMUGGLE
 OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

"Some people love working from home, others prefer the office — WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT, I guess."

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P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D

On evenings and weekends, I research and write your daily OWAD newsletter together with Helga—my lovely wife and coaching partner—and our eagle-eyed daughter, Jennifer.

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Thanks so much,

Paul, Helga, & Jenny Smith

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