General
bought the farm
What does bought the farm mean?
To be killed. Originally aviation slang for a fatal crash, the 'farm' being the cemetery plot; extended to any killed-in-action service member.
"His wingman bought the farm over the target that day."
Origin
US Air Force slang; the death gratuity or insurance was imagined as paying off the family farm.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'bought the farm' mean?
It's a slang euphemism for being killed, originally referring to a fatal aircraft crash and later extended to any service member killed in action.
Where does 'bought the farm' come from?
It's US Air Force slang. One common explanation is that a pilot's death gratuity or insurance payout was imagined as finally paying off the family farm's mortgage.
Is 'bought the farm' offensive?
It's not vulgar, but as a euphemism for death it's usually used among peers with dark humor rather than in formal or solemn settings.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
