I was listening to an old radio programme this week, Word of Mouth from February 2024. They were talking about things that families say, snippets and phrases that become original family sayings. I tried in vain to think of something original that my own family have created but ours all seem to be cliché phrases like, 'It's a bit black over Bill's mother's.' I'd love to know the derivation of that, who Bill is and why his mum always has storm clouds over her house. After much thought I came up with a few that I thought were originals but which turn out to be well-known phrases.
My mother-in-law was forever suspicious of new technology and her stock line was, 'We're getting far too clever by half.' She'd shake her head and fold her arms as she said it. She died many years ago but whenever we hear of a new technological development we chorus the words, 'We're getting far too clever.' Who knows, maybe we are getting far too clever.
When I was a child my mum would always say, 'It'll end in tears.' whenever I was too silly. Again, it's not original but I often hear her voice in my head, even now, if I get the giggles. That's rather sad but I know that Mum would never have meant to impose such a forever reaction on me.
I like to think that a phrase adopted by my son and myself is fairly original, even if we did copy it from a television show. The title of this blog may give you a clue. We were fanatical Muppet viewers and every time anyone said... and still to this day says... 'Good grief!' My son, me and family chant in chorus, 'The comedian's a bear. No he's a-not he's a-wearing a neck-a-tie!'This is my only contribution to clichéd sayings. It's not very highbrow but it makes us laugh every time we say it and no, it doesn't end in tears. For those who have never seen the Muppets, it's a Fozzie the Bear joke. He was and still is my favourite Muppet character.
For those who are still wondering what on earth I'm talking about, here is the excerpt. It makes me laugh every time. Enjoy: Muppet Show excerpt
Hi Ros - like you I always want to know where phrases come from ... some are 'so old', while some are 'surprisingly new' ... The muppets always make me laugh and this one did ... while Bill seems to be Kaiser Wilhelm - who knows how cold my toes are ... if that's right or not! Cheers to you and all the best in 2026 - Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary, I know we've talked about phrases before, but, like you, I do find that kind of thing fascinating.
DeleteOh gosh, Ros! I grew up with a whole list of my mother’s ‘wisdoms’ and ‘it’ll end in tears’ was one of hers too. We have lots of family ‘sayings’ that only we really understand, but one is a saying about the weather that always makes my siblings and me laugh. It’s ‘it looks brighter over there’, which is what my brother once said when we were rowing on Regents Park Lake and it started raining. The moment he said ‘it looks brighter over there’, the heavens opened and we were all totally drenched. It never ceases to make us laugh. By the way, I love the Muppets too!
ReplyDeleteHi Val, I love those 'in-jokes' that only the family or friendship group understands. Social bonding... maybe there's a blog post in that?
DeleteThat's so interesting! I have always loved the Muppet Show! I heard they are bringing it back soon!
ReplyDeleteOooh, Jackie, I didn't hear about a Muppet Show revival. That would be so exciting... or would it not be as good as we remember it to be?
DeleteAmusing post. I tried to think if we had any family sayings. Alas, nothing original. The “ this will end in tears” is way too true.
ReplyDeleteAnd Muppets are awesome.
Hi Joanne, that 'ending in tears' saying seems to be more common than I expected. I think we should all change it to 'It's good to laugh!' Glad the Muppets are loved over your way too!
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