Odd Sayings

Back when I was a child we heard a lot of odd sayings that were passed down from generation to generation. My mother’s favorite was, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” I can remember thinking, “Why would someone want to skin a cat?” My grandfather, upon hearing me express my unhappiness, would tell me, ” Linda, you are at that awkward age, too old to cry and too little to cuss.” He had another one I always liked, “He wouldn’t be happy if you hung him with a new rope.” Later, I worked with a lady who, when some of the employees got in an argument, would chime in with, “Don’t involve me, I don’t have a dog in that fight.”

I used one of these odd sayings just today. The manicurist where I get my hair cut was telling me about a phone call she had just received. The lady she spoke with had a special event come up unexpectedly and needed her nails done, but she wanted a special manicure. Each nail was to have a special design and she wanted the appointment for the next day. The manicurist told her she was booked up solid, and besides, she would have to book at least twice the amount of time for such an intricate design. Needless to say, the woman did not take this news well.  That was when I spoke up; “You should have told her people in hell want ice water and you just can’t help her.” ( As we get older we tend to lose the filter on our mouths.) The manicurist forgot to be cross and everyone enjoyed a good laugh.

Political Correctness and Better Education 

You used to hear a lot of these little quotes. Over time we have gotten better educated and travel more, plus everyone is always trying to be political correct, so they are are gradually dying out. I don’t know if we will ever lose everything. The south still takes their time and draws out the vowels while the east and north speak so fast, we southerners have a problem keeping up! I do know we are losing the quirky little sayings that used to be a fun part of our heritage.

Arizona meets Arkansas

   Several years ago I had a friend who worked as a hair stylist. (Back then it was a beautician.) Quite frequently I would go in to get my hair cut and then we would go out to lunch. I arrived one day to see three generations of ladies who had come in for their appointments. The grandmother and mother had already had their turn and were waiting for my friend to finish with the daughter. After she was done, the mother was writing a check to pay for the three of them while the grandmother was the first out the door. As she stepped out, she turned and commented, “It sure is clabbering up out here!” As soon as the door closed behind the ladies my friend collapsed into laughter. Since she was raised in Arizona I knew she needed a translator and smiled, understanding her confusion.  “She means it is looks like rain.” Debbie was still laughing half way through lunch. Considering other times I’ve had to translate, it makes me wonder, are we losing our ability to be individuals?

It might be fun, before we loose them all, to round up your older friends and ask them to tell you about their favorite odd sayings. At the very least it should make for an enjoyable time. Until then, grab a good book!

Happy reading, Linda