Pleased As Punch

Today’s phrase was suggested by my Aunt Karen.  My grandmother just received a special reading machine from the “Blind Institute”.  Using the machine, she was able to read a bill for an oil change.  My aunt said that my grandmother was pleased as Punch.

From context, you might be able to figure out the meaning.  Pleased means to feel or show pleasure, thankfulness, or gratefulness.  So, she was very happy with her new reading machine.  But what does Punch mean in this phrase and why do I keep capitalizing it?  Well, its because it is a name.  It is the name of a puppet.

Example:  I am pleased as Punch that you helped me move furniture today. 

Punch and Judy is a traditional puppet show that is over 400 years old.  It can trace its roots (origins) back to an early form of professional theater called commedia dell’arte.  While the performances probably started out with live actors, they eventually became puppet shows.  The main character in the performance is Punch.  Punch is a horrible character.  He murders his wife and son by beating them.  He is often depicted killing other people including police officers, blindmen and foreigners.

So, why does pleased as Punch mean happy?  After Punch murders someone he is very happy and pleased with himself.  The phrase was originally proud as punch but changed over time.  In the 1850s, Charles Dickens used the terms interchangeably.  I will stress that English speakers no longer use this phrase to mean anything negative or evil.

Tell me about a time when you were grateful.

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Reference:
https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/as-pleased-as-punch.html
http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/09/origin-phrase-pleased-punch/