Dull as ditchwater/dishwater

Origin of: Dull as ditchwater/dishwater

Dull as ditchwater/dishwater

Alliteration is the driving force in this well-known simile for dullness or boredom, which of course stems from the torpor or stagnation of water in a ditch. The expression dates from the early 1700s when roadside ditches were commonplace. Since the 19th century, it is frequently found as dull as dishwater - whether a deliberate or accidental change from ditch water is not known.