Tickety-Boo

Tickety-Boo (adjective / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Tickety boo, Everything’s tickety-boo, Ticketyboo)

Definition:

Tickety-boo is a cheerful British phrase meaning everything is fine, in good order or going well. It describes a situation that is neat, satisfactory and under control.

Where Tickety-Boo Comes From:

It appeared in British English in the 1930s and was widely used by soldiers and in the armed forces during the Second World War. The likely source is Hindi-Urdu “thik hai”, meaning “it is all right”, picked up by British soldiers in India and turned into a rhyming-sounding phrase.

How People Actually Use Tickety-Boo:

It is used lightly and with a smile: “Everything’s tickety-boo.” Today it sounds old-fashioned and a bit jolly, so people often use it jokingly or ironically, especially in workplaces, where it can be a gentle way of saying a project is on track.

Is Tickety-Boo Rude?

No. It is warm, harmless and slightly quaint.

Examples in the Wild:

• “How’s the new flat?” “Oh, it’s all tickety-boo.”

  Meaning: It is going well and there are no problems.

• “Give it a clean and it’ll be tickety-boo.”

  Meaning: Clean it up and it will be just fine.

• “Everything is tickety-boo at the office.”

  Meaning: Work is running smoothly.

Similar Slang:

Sorted, Cushty, Mint, Lush, Sound

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