# whatever floats your boat

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/whatever-floats-your-boat
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One should do whatever stimulates one or suits one's inclinations.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.