Etymology Journal ยท T
The whole kit and caboodle
Meaning
- Used to refer to the entirety of something, including every last detail or accessory. It is a slightly whimsical way to describe a complete set.
Jovial, comprehensive
Used in a sentence
- He sold the boat, the trailer, and the whole kit and caboodle.
- I want to move out and take the whole kit and caboodle with me.
- She brought the camping gear, the food, and the whole kit and caboodle.
The backstory
This is an Americanism from the 1800s. It is likely a mash-up of older colloquial terms for collections of things, such as kit and boodle.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check