Burst bubbles, pop-up cherries

[Cracker Jack]

In today's online edition of USA Today, the headline reads ''Ghana bursts USA's bubble. Here is the link:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/front.htm

I didn't know that the expression could be used in this context. I immediately understood that it was as good as saying that Ghana dashed US collective hope with this elimination. I always thought that the phrase had sexual connotations, like what is printed on some shirts ''Virginity is like bubbles.''

A bubble once it gets burst is a bubble no more. But can it be used in some other ''innocuous,'' ''innocent'' and wholesome matters? In relation to this I recall the expression ''pop-up the cherry'' which can be taken to mean ''to devirginize.'' In fact, in the movie ''The Family Stone,'' the character of Diane Keaton made use of this in reference to a guy with whom his daughter (''mean'' daughter played by Rachel McAdams) slept with.

Is there any use for both expressions in a wholesome fashion? Is this purely an AE thing or is it also used in BE? What do you think? Thanks in advance.

 

[Joelline]

Hi CrackerJack,

Your new understanding of "to burst someone's bubble" is the usual meaning: to dash someone's hopes or unrealistic expectations. I never knew it had any sexual connotations.

I believe the 2nd expression is "to pop a cherry" (no "up"). The only meaning I know of is the sexual one: Bob popped Mary's cherry last night. Mary got her cherry popped last night, etc.

I'm willing to be enlightened on both expressions if someone knows other meanings.
Joelline

 

[suzi br]

I only use "bubble bursting" to mean shatter dreams or illusions ..

The metahporic shift to the thing you've seen on a tee-shirt is obvious now you mention it, but I wouldn't say it is the most common use, just cos you saw it first!

 

[languageGuy]

I always associate 'bursting a bubble' with childhood bubble blowing. We would make these huge soap bubbles that would shimmer and shine and float on air. All very exciting until 'pop' -- then it's gone.

 

[Cracker Jack]

Thank you very much Joelline, suzi br and languageGuy for enlightening me on this matter. In fact, I recalled a song by Shampoo, the soundtrack of the movie ''Jawbreakers'' a few years back entitled ''Trouble.'' The lyrics of the song was adjudged tops of nonsense lyrics and the chorus makes reference to this phrase.

You are right suzi br. If I had heard it in a different way, I would not have thought of the connotation. However, I first saw it on a shirt and the impression stuck. But thanks to all of you, I can now freely use it without ''guilt''

 

[se16teddy]

I think the bubble can stand for hope, but also pride, confidence etc.