whatever floats your boat
One should do whatever stimulates one or suits one's inclinations.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“If you want to paint your room pink, whatever floats your boat.”
“Some people love running marathons, but I prefer reading at home; whatever floats your boat.”
“Whether you choose to pursue a traditional career or travel the world, you should simply do whatever floats your boat.”
The phrase appears to have originated in the late 1970s within the United States. Early evidence suggests it first emerged as a colloquialism among localized communities of pleasure boaters.
- 01
boy in the boat
The human clitoris.
- 02
float someone's boat
To interest or appeal to someone; to make someone happy.
- 03
fresh off the boat
Newly arrived from a foreign place, especially as an immigrant who is still unfamiliar with the customs and language of their new environment.
- 04
get in the boat and row
To make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group; also, to perform one's share of work.
- 05
in the same boat
In the same situation or predicament; having the same problems.
- 06
lift all boats
To benefit all participants; to have a wide-ranging positive effect.
- 07
push the boat out
To do something, especially spend money, more extravagantly than usual, particularly for a celebration.
- 08
rock the boat
To disturb the status quo or go against rules or conventions, as in an effort to get attention.
Last updated August 10, 2026