English speakers often express thinking through phrases tied to walking and movement, a linguistic insight that connects cognition to physical action. Linguist Adam Aleksic highlights how common expressions like ‘by the way’ and ‘of course’ metaphorically map thinking onto the idea of a path or journey.
- Many English thinking phrases reference walking or paths.
- Metaphors like 'by the way' mean mental detours off the main path.
- Walking boosts creative thinking in scientific studies.
What happened
Linguist Adam Aleksic shared a popular video explaining how everyday English phrases about thinking, such as ‘by the way’ and ‘of course,’ actually draw from the metaphor of walking. These terms derive from the idea of being on or off a path, which reflects how our minds navigate thoughts similarly to moving through physical space.
Further examples include expressions like ‘you’re on track,’ ‘way off,’ and ‘arrive at a conclusion,’ all of which imply mental movement. Comments from users highlight that many other languages use similar walking-related metaphors when discussing thought, reinforcing that this is a global linguistic phenomenon.
Why it feels good
Understanding that thinking is often conceptualized as walking helps us appreciate our language's subtle connections to our physical experience. Knowing how these metaphors frame cognition makes everyday phrases feel richer and shows how deeply intertwined language and movement are.
Additionally, this insight resonates with people because walking itself has been linked to creativity and mental clarity. Studies from Stanford University and research in Japan found that walking improves divergent and creative thinking, making the metaphor both meaningful and practically true.
What to enjoy or watch next
Explore your own language habits by noticing how often you use walking-related phrases when describing thoughts—words like ‘follow,’ ‘come to,’ or ‘wander’ are examples. You might also enjoy learning about similar expressions in other languages that connect walking to thinking.
For inspiration, consider taking a walk when you need a creative boost. Research shows moving physically can help your mind generate fresh ideas, making ‘walking is thinking’ a helpful motto for work, study, or problem-solving. Dive into more videos by Adam Aleksic for fun linguistic insights and etymology explorations.