Quiltingboard Forums - Why do we say these things?

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I like “don’t count your chickens until they are hatched.”

"God willing and the cricks (creeks) don't rise". Heard that one for the first time 20 years ago in New Hampshire.

One card short of a deck.

Been there, done that, have the t-shirt to prove it.

"Needless to say…"

Okay, then, why did you?

"one side, or a leg off" was a kitchen expression in my then wife's family. I'm sure we've all been in crowded kitchens.

She almost used in one day shortly after my dad had had his leg amputated. Glad she caught herself in time.

I've even said "I can't wrap my head around that". Silly statement.
and I have to ask, how can "bless his heart" be sarcastic? I've not said that' but never would say anything i considered to be hurtful to someone's feelings. in the South we do say a lot of silly things, but none meant badly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HettyB (Post 8154487)

This one bugs me:

Can I ask you a question - which usually prefaces a request for information that is none of their business or as a ruse to making a snarky comment.

"Can I" - I don't know; can you? Do you have the power of speech? Are you asking via text, email, or semaphore
"May I" - This is seeking permission to ask me a question. Depending who you are, I might not give it to you!

There are some days at the museum where we have spent the day answering either off-the-wall questions such as "why did they build this building to look so old" (It was built over 600 years ago!) or sidestepping questions about our personal lives. (I may be getting old, but I am not one of the exhibits!).

HettyB

My standard response to "Can I ask you a question" is "You can ask". Or if I think they're a bit thick and won't get it I say "You can ask, but I might not answer". I agree it usually prefaces a question about something that is none of their business. To which I've learned to say "Why would you ask that?" or "Why do you want to know?" People can be highly annoying. I remember why I like my dogs so well.

Your eyes will get stuck like that. (If you crossed your eyes).
If you swallow that gum, your insides will stick together.
If you swallow that watermelon seed, a melon will grow in your stomach.
If you crack your knuckles, they're going to get big when you are older.
You have to wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident.
If you put your hands up over your head (when you are pregnant), the cord will wrap around the baby's neck.
Don't let the cat into the nursery because it will smother the baby.
If you lie with dogs you're gonna get fleas.
Just wait 'til your father gets home.
I'll give you something to cry about.

Where did our folks (at least mine) come up with some of these?

Probably because they heard their folks say these things!

ha, ha. i told my son about the knuckle one. he cracked his all the time. hated that.