Is full of beans formal or informal?

It is informal. People use it in friendly speech, not in business or academic writing.

Can I use full of beans for adults?

Yes, but it is more common for children or playful adults.

Is full of beans the same as energetic?

Yes, mostly. Full of beans sounds warmer, lighter, and more casual.

← Dictionary

full-of-beans

/ˌfʊl əv ˈbiːnz/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Very lively, energetic, and cheerful. It is often used for a person, especially a child.

She was full of beans after her nap.
The kids were full of beans at the park.
He came in full of beans this morning.

Adinary Nuance

Full of beans means lively and energetic, but it is more informal and playful than energetic. It often sounds affectionate, and people usually say it about children or cheerful adults. It is not used much in formal writing, where lively or energetic is better.

In other languages

Vietnamese: đầy năng lượng
Spanish: lleno de energía
Chinese: 精神十足
Japanese: 元気いっぱい
Korean: 기운이 넘치는

Etymology

This phrase is from informal English, first recorded in the 19th century. It likely came from comparing a lively person to a strong, well-fed horse.

Common phrases

full of beans this morningstill full of beanslook full of beans

Synonyms

lively energetic spirited vibrant

Related words

active cheerful playful noisy

Frequently asked questions

Is full of beans formal or informal?: It is informal. People use it in friendly speech, not in business or academic writing.
Can I use full of beans for adults?: Yes, but it is more common for children or playful adults.
Is full of beans the same as energetic?: Yes, mostly. Full of beans sounds warmer, lighter, and more casual.