What does “Garden variety” mean?
"Garden variety" means something that is ordinary or common.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'm not looking for anything fancy, just some garden variety tomatoes.
Example
His taste in music is pretty garden variety, nothing too unique.
Example
The store only sells garden variety household items, nothing special
Is “Garden variety” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Garden variety” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Garden variety” effectively in context?
You can use "Garden Variety" to describe something as ordinary or common. It is often used to emphasize that something is not unique or special. For example, if someone asks you about your favorite type of food and you prefer simple dishes, you might say, 'I'm not into fancy cuisine, just some "garden variety" comfort food.'
- 1Food
When it comes to desserts, I'm not a fan of extravagant flavors, just some garden variety chocolate chip cookies.
- 2Music
His taste in music is pretty garden variety, he mostly listens to popular mainstream songs.
- 3Shopping
The store only sells garden variety household items, nothing unique or specialized.
Similar phrases to “Garden variety”:
Run-of-the-mill
Ordinary or average, lacking uniqueness
Example
The movie was entertaining, but it was just run-of-the-mill action flick.
Plain Jane
Simple or ordinary, lacking special features
Example
Her style is very plain Jane, she prefers basic clothing without any flashy details.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Garden variety” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Garden Variety" is unknown.
Is “Garden variety” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Garden Variety" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe something as ordinary or common, emphasizing that it is not unique or special.
What tone does “Garden variety” have?
"Garden Variety" conveys a tone of simplicity and lack of uniqueness. It is often used to express a preference for ordinary things or to describe something as unremarkable.
Can “Garden variety” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Garden Variety" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I prefer "garden variety" vegetables over exotic ones.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Just some "garden variety" stuff' to imply ordinary or common items.
