It can be seen in quotes all over social media, but is most notably seen in the Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart song of the same name. The trending adage old habits die hard has also made its way into popular culture. These chronology shows that the word itself may even stem from the proverb old habits die hard. This fleet literally resisted death, struggling until the very end, and “dying hard.” Its use as an adjective has been present since 1871. They also state that the word die-hard or diehard as a noun has been used since 1844, in reference to the 57th Regiment of Foot from the British Army. Using the word habit to mean someone’s typical mode of action or practice has occurred since the early 14th century. This meaning also makes its way into the modern vernacular, as a nun’s headpiece is still called a habit. Whatever the initial source truly is, it is widely accepted that the proverb has grown in popularity since the mid-20th century.Įtymonline states that the word habit stems from the Old French abit, referring to ecclesiastical clothing or conduct. Writing Explained states that some even credit it to Jeremy Belknap, who was an historian and congregational church minister, according to the New Hampshire Division of HIstorical Resources. Others, according to BookBrowse, say the expression has traced back to 1450. Some accredit it to Benjamin Franklin, who penned the phrase in an article in 1758, which is the first known citation. The exact origin of the phrase is unknown. Many may use this phrase as a response to insist that the habit one suggests they stop is an impossible request! What is the origin of the phrase old habits die hard? This phrase could be used in response to the idiom old habits die hard, or could be used independently of it. Some have adjusted the phrase into “old habits hardly die,” which means that not only do they usually resist death, they usually overcome it. Some may even use this phrase as an excuse to keep repeating destructive behaviors. A habit is a self-reinforcing behavior that has built up over time that now, the person with the habit does not even give it a second thought, and simply performs it. This proverb states that it is difficult for one to change their behavior, attitude, or ideology according to Grammarist. This can either refer to an ingrained physical habit, like smoking, which is tough for many people to quit, or a more figurative habit, like a longstanding relationship in which neither party is happy, but neither can seem to leave. The figure of speech old habits die hard means that it is difficult for one to stop doing the things that they have been doing for a long time or have a proclivity for, according to Merriam-Webster English Dictionary.

What does the idiom old habits die hard mean?

Die hard old habits die hard