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Thu 15 Jan, 2015 04:00 pm
A friend of mine introduced a sentence, including 'on the market'.
What he said was that 'on the market' can be used to refer to the state of being single.
Curious, I looked up the dictionary to see if what he said was true,
and there seemed to be nothing like that.
So, do native speakers often say 'She is on the market',
intending to say 'She is not married.'?
How about using the term 'available'?
If I said 'I am available now, but I'm planning to get married soon.',
would this sound rather awkward?
Please help me know the answer.
"On the market" is a slang idiom that means that person is looking for a relationship, or is available to someone looking for a relationship.
Why would you say: 'I am available now, but I'm planning to get married soon.'?
If you are engaged, then you are NOT "available."
@SMickey,
On the market would more likely refer to someone actually seeking another person. So if someone had a boyfriend or girlfriend or even if they were not interested at the moment to date - they would not be considered on the market.
Available or not available is also used. Meaning they are available to date.
In either case - you don't need to be married to be unavailable or off the market.
You could try Urban dictionary (www.urbandictionary.com) for slang terms.
@SMickey,
Yes, these are all phrases meaning the same thing - she's single.
I find it a bit derogatory to use the term "she's on the market" a) it's cheap and b) single doesn't necessarily mean available.
@PUNKEY,
Oh, what I had intended to say was that even though I was not seeing anyone, I hoped that I could get married soon.
I should've known that saying I'm planning to get married is one thing and saying I hope to get married is another. Now I see the difference thanks to you Punkey.
Thank you for the explanation.
@Linkat,
'Off the market' also seems to be an expression widely used, similiar to 'unavailable', I guess?
Thank you.
Now I can see more clearly about the usage of the idiom.
@CalamityJane,
Derogatory?
Then, you wouldn't recommend I use that expression in a formal meeting
or to someone I am familiar with or close to?
Okay. I'll keep that in mind.
Thank you.
@SMickey,
I am currently unattached, but I hope to be married someday.