Meaning of Idiom ‘Last One In is a Rotten Egg’
Last one in is a rotten egg is used by children (or by adults with humor) as a way to urge others to join in. It especially refers to jumping into water. 1
Usage
This expression may be related to the idioms good egg and bad egg, as a rotten egg is a very bad egg. However, it holds no real meaning and is simply a way to urge others to have fun.
Examples Of Use
“Last one in is a rotten egg!” yelled Susan, jumping into the pool.
“C’mon, the water isn’t that bad. Last one in is a rotten egg!”
“This is where the party is,” said Ed. “Last one inside is a rotten egg.”
“Last one in is a rotten egg,” someone yelled, causing the kids to stampede toward the swimming hole.
Origin
Used since at least the 1950’s.
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- Like Herding Cats
- Look What the Cat Dragged In
- Losing My Religion
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More Egg Idioms
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More Last Idioms
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References- Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms]. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.