Phrase Finder

"Life in the Fast Lane"

Posted by ESC January 13, 2004In reply to "Life in the Fast Lane" posted by Phil on January 12, 2004

I heard Tony Kornheiser on ESPN Radio today offering that the Eagles may have invented the phrase "Life in The Fast Lane" from their song of the same name. Does anyone offer any alternative origin of that phrase?

Here's what one reference says:

fast lane -- 1. a style of living characterized by recklessness or dissipation -- usually constructed with "life in the." 1976 G. Frey et al. "life in the Fast Lane" (rock song)...
2. fast track -- 1982 "Maclean's" October 20. From Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 1, A-G by J.E. Lighter, Random House, New York, 1994.

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