"He's as cool as a prized marrow!"

Sid Waddell’s phrase, “He’s as cool as a prized marrow!” uses a playful comparison drawn from British culture and countryside life. A marrow, in this context, is a large, mature vegetable in the squash family, akin to a zucchini but grown much bigger. In many British villages and communities, growing marrows for competitions at local fairs has long been a tradition. To have a “prized marrow” means to have an especially fine specimen, nurtured with patience and admired for its size, color, and quality. Prized marrows are displayed with pride, kept safe from harm, and evoke a sense of calm assurance, after all, they have already won their accolades and are presented with a certain quiet dignity.

Linking this imagery with someone being “cool” blends rural charm with personal poise. Rather than referring to coolness as fashion or attitude, the metaphor draws on a steadiness under pressure, an unflappable composure. If a person is as cool as a prized marrow, they are not just unfazed but do so with a certain unassuming pride and inner stability. Amidst the heat of competition or the bustle of life, they exude calm, much like the vegetable sitting serenely on display, undisturbed and confident.

Sid Waddell, a legendary darts commentator, often infused his commentary with such colorful and uniquely regional metaphors, appealing to the everyday experiences of his audience. His choice of words would lighten tense moments, making a connection with listeners who appreciated humor rooted in familiar, rural imagery. The marrow is not typically associated with glamour or excitement, so casting it as a symbol of “coolness” is both wry and affectionate. It suggests real “cool” isn’t about drama or showiness but about substance, reliability, and steady excellence, a gentle, earthy compliment to the person described.