What Does ‘It’s Spinal’ Mean? The Famous Phrase Origin

The phrase “going to eleven” has become cultural shorthand for taking something to an extreme, pushing an action or quality past its conventional limits. Often used with irony, the expression implies an excessive effort. The idiom signifies an ultimate level of performance, whether describing music volume, workout intensity, or even the flavor of a dish.

The Genesis: “This Is Spinal Tap”

The phrase originates from the 1984 satirical film, or “mockumentary,” titled This Is Spinal Tap. Directed by Rob Reiner, the movie chronicles the American tour of a fictional and fading British heavy metal band named Spinal Tap. The film satirizes the grandiose world of rock and roll, presenting the band members with deadpan seriousness as they navigate professional mishaps. The band is portrayed by Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer, who improvised much of the dialogue.

This Is Spinal Tap derives its humor from its realistic portrayal of a band whose self-importance is constantly undermined by reality. The movie’s style captured the excesses of rock stardom, presenting absurd situations with an earnestness that felt authentic. This foundation of satire allowed specific gags to transcend the film and enter the public lexicon.

The film’s accuracy in depicting the rock and roll lifestyle resonated with actual musicians. Many artists have noted that the movie’s portrayal of tour life, from technical difficulties to bizarre fan encounters, was familiar. Some of the film’s most outlandish scenarios were inspired by real-life events experienced by bands like Black Sabbath and Saxon.

Understanding the “Up to Eleven” Scene

The source of the idiom features guitarist Nigel Tufnel showing off his new custom guitar amplifiers to filmmaker Marty DiBergi. Nigel points out that the control knobs on his amps are marked from one to eleven, while standard amplifiers only go to ten. When DiBergi asks about the advantage, Nigel explains with firm logic, “It’s one louder, isn’t it?”

DiBergi, acting as the voice of reason, asks why he doesn’t simply make the “ten” setting on his amplifier louder. This logical question is met with confused silence from Nigel, who can only reiterate the superiority of his equipment by stating, “These go to eleven.” The exchange satirizes the superficiality of rock excess, where appearance is more important than function.

Nigel’s sincere belief that his amplifier is superior because the dial has an extra number encapsulates the genre’s self-important absurdity. The scene is a commentary on the desire to always have more, even if the advantage is illusory. This interaction became the film’s most famous contribution to popular culture.

Meaning and Modern Usage of “It’s Spinal”

While “it’s spinal” is a direct reference to the band, “turning it up to eleven” has become a widely adopted idiom. It serves as a concise way to describe pushing something beyond its standard limits. This can apply to volume, effort, intensity, or any quality that can be metaphorically “dialed up,” evolving from a niche movie quote into a versatile expression.

The idiom appears in various fields:

• Sound engineers and musicians use it to describe pushing audio equipment to its maximum output.
• Technology developers have built in “eleven” settings as an easter egg in software or devices.
• Athletes may talk about giving an “eleven” effort to describe performing at their absolute peak.
• Common variations include “dial it to eleven” or simply stating “this one goes to eleven.”

Cultural Resonance and Lasting Impact

The enduring appeal of “up to eleven” lies in its satire of the “more is better” philosophy. The phrase has become so embedded in the lexicon that it is often used by people who may not be aware of its origin in This Is Spinal Tap. It has transcended its cinematic roots to become a standalone cultural reference.

Its influence is seen not just in language, but in product design and media. Real-life audio equipment manufacturers have produced amplifiers with knobs that go to eleven, a direct homage to the film. The phrase is frequently referenced in articles, television shows, and other media as a shorthand for extreme levels.

The journey of “up to eleven” from a mockumentary gag to a common idiom highlights the power of satire. The film created a fictional band so believable that its lexicon became part of reality. The phrase captured a specific type of excess, giving culture a new way to talk about pushing boundaries.