for crying out loud
Used to express frustration, exasperation, or annoyance.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“For crying out loud, please stop making that noise.”
“Just pick a restaurant for crying out loud.”
“Answer your phone for crying out loud.”
“For crying out loud, I told you to lock the door before we left the house.”
“I have already explained how to use this software three times, so please pay attention for crying out loud.”
“The bus is twenty minutes late again, and I am going to miss my doctor's appointment for crying out loud.”
“I just bought this umbrella yesterday and it is already broken, so can I please have a refund for crying out loud?”
“For crying out loud, the project has been delayed yet again, despite our best efforts to meet the deadline.”
First recorded in the early 20th century, the phrase originated as a minced oath for the sake of Christ. It functioned as a linguistic substitution, allowing a speaker to express exasperation while avoiding the social and religious inconvenience of blasphemy. The profane original was displaced by the phonetically similar crying, a convenient adjustment for the polite ear.
- 01
crying shame
A situation that is considered to be a disgrace, or deplorable.
- 02
for fucking out loud
Synonym of for crying out loud.
- 03
out loud
Using the voice; not silently; aloud.
- 04
say the quiet part loud
To willingly express a sentiment that is normally considered embarrassing or disreputable to hold; to reveal an ulterior motive.
- 05
scream loudest
To complain or speak up with more intensity than others, especially in relation to a trivial matter.
- 06
think out loud
To voice one's ideas; to brainstorm.
Last updated August 10, 2026