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I heard "I'm on cloud nine" in a song and realized it was an expression by reading it somewhere else.
I am learning English for years but I never heard of that before. I found informations about the meaning* and etymology**, but I was wondering:

  • Is it a common expression ?
  • Would it sound old or from elevated language ?
  • How would you use it ?



* I found different explanations, always talking about an extreme happiness
** 1. Cloud classification by the US Weather Bureau in the 1950s. 2. one of the stages to enlightenment of a Bodhisattva (Buddhism)

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    The origin of the relatively recent on cloud nine is uncertain, so anything we might say here about that is effectively a matter of opinion. But as you can see from that chart, it's still gaining currency (in informal contexts), so you can use it anywhere you might use in seventh heaven (or as a "toned down" version of as happy as a pig in shit, say).
    – FumbleFingers
    Commented Jan 13, 2017 at 21:23
  • @FumbleFingers Thanks I'll remember. I understand more the meaning as we have the same expression (as happy as a pig in shit) in French.
    – AymDev
    Commented Jan 13, 2017 at 21:27

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Is it a common expression?

In my experience of 30 years living in the UK, yes, somewhat common. You'd certainly be understood by the majority of UK residents if you used it.

Would it sound old or from elevated language?

I don't believe so, it's probably a less commonly used phrase than it might have been 5, 10 or 15 years ago (or more), but it's not antiquated or historical in nature.

How would you use it?

Something like:

We just had our first child last week. We're both on cloud 9.

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  • I think your example at the end is quite good. The expression generally expresses elation rather than mere contentment (whereas the happy as a pig in muck expression talked about in the comments probably wouldn't be used by parents of a newborn).
    – J.R. ♦
    Commented Jan 13, 2017 at 23:49
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The origin of the phrase is not clear.

In any case, it's a somewhat old-fashioned expression. I don't hear it all that often anymore, although it might appear as a reference, like the name of a business where you go to feel particularly happy (like a day spa).

Should you use it? I don't see why not. The worst that can happen is, in the wrong context, it might be unintentionally humorous.

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