Cast Iron Stomach (Origin)

What Is the Origin of the Saying "Cast Iron Stomach"?

The term "cast-iron stomach" is used for someone who can eat almost anything without feeling sick or experiencing any ill effects.

Examples of Use:

• Jack has a cast-iron stomach. He can eat a jar of jalapenos with no ill effects.
• The doctor said I must have a cast-iron stomach if I've been taking that many aspirin.
• Don't you feel sick after that pizza? You've got a cast-iron stomach, man.

The idiom "cast-iron stomach" was used in the late 19th century, but it did not become common language until the early 20th century (evidence). When used in the saying "cast-iron stomach," there should be a hyphen because "cast-iron" is a compound adjective (i.e., an adjective made up of more than one word). The hyphen joins the words to show they are a single grammatical entity. Look at these two examples:

• My stomach is made of cast iron.
(In this example, there is no hyphen. "Cast iron" is not being used as an adjective.)
• I have a cast-iron stomach.
(Here, a hyphen is required. "Cast iron" is being used as an adjective, a compound adjective.)

The saying is, of course, a metaphor.

Previous and Next Sayings

Test Your Knowledge of English Proverbs and Idioms

Ready for the Test?

More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms