Odd expressions you've heard now & then

[perplexed]

I’ve never understood why when one person it trying to console another person who is upset, the first person will pat them on the back and say “There, there”. Why use the phrase ”There, there” to mean everything will be OK?
Do other countries/cultures use “There, there” or it unique to my area?

I have heard that expression on Tv and also "now now"but I don't recall it down here in the south.

We southerners console people with a hug and usually say "Awww bless your heart or it is gonna be ok sweetie."

 

[RadishRose]

I’ve never understood why when one person it trying to console another person who is upset, the first person will pat them on the back and say “There, there”. Why use the phrase ”There, there” to mean everything will be OK?
Do other countries/cultures use “There, there” or it unique to my area?

Good question.

 

[hollydolly]

Oh yes I suspect everybody has said ''there, there '' at some time here when trying to console someone..goodness knows why ... I can't remember ever saying it myself, but I might have..,

 

[jujube]

I’ve never understood why when one person it trying to console another person who is upset, the first person will pat them on the back and say “There, there”. Why use the phrase ”There, there” to mean everything will be OK?
Do other countries/cultures use “There, there” or it unique to my area?

I've wondered why, when agreeing with something someone said, people would say, "Here, here!" (or is it "hear, hear?)

Is that a Britishism? I see it in British novels and movies.

 

[Rakaia]

"Mutton passing for lamb", said with a sniff, referred to a woman dressing too young for her age.

Mutton dressed as lamb is a saying I'm familiar with.
Funnily enough the first time I ate lamb was NZ lamb, which I fed in England. The host was apologetic thinking that I ate it all the time and was surprised to hear it was my first time eating it. We usually ate mutton or higher at home because lamb was a saleable product.
FYI, hogget is last year's lamb and next year's mutton.

 

[Mike]

"That's Mental", = that is funny.

Mike.

 

[Rakaia]

It's a wigwam for a goose's bridle. (NZ)
Meaning, I don't know or I'm not telling you what it is.

 

[JBR]

"Leaving soon to chase lizards." A Canadian planning, in the Fall, to travel for a break down into the deserty American southwest.

 

[hollydolly]

I've wondered why, when agreeing with something someone said, people would say, "Here, here!" (or is it "hear, hear?)

Is that a Britishism? I see it in British novels and movies.

Yes it is a British saying..originally... and it literally means.. '' I am all ears, I'm listening and hearing what you're saying ''..

 

[hollydolly]

"That's Mental", = that is funny.

Mike.

..or nuts ?... crazy etc...

 

[hollydolly]

Mutton dressed as lamb is a saying I'm familiar with.
Funnily enough the first time I ate lamb was NZ lamb, which I fed in England. The host was apologetic thinking that I ate it all the time and was surprised to hear it was my first time eating it. We usually ate mutton or higher at home because lamb was a saleable product.
FYI, hogget is last year's lamb and next year's mutton.

I've hear Mutton dressed as lamb all my life... my mother used to say it in reference to one of my aunts... it's still in full use today in the UK

 

[hollydolly]

"Leaving soon to chase lizards." A Canadian planning, in the Fall, to travel for a break down into the deserty American southwest.

Lizards?.. is that a euphemism?.. if not...pray tell why you would chase Lizards ?

 

[Brookswood]

When confronted with a person who is pretending to be something he isn’t:

Big hat, no cattle.

 

[hollydolly]

When confronted with a person who is all talk and no action:

Big hat, no cattle.

..or someone who is acting like they have a lot when they don't...''All fur coat and no knickers''

 

[Jules]

I’ve never understood why when one person it trying to console another person who is upset, the first person will pat them on the back and say “There, there”. Why use the phrase ”There, there” to mean everything will be OK?
Do other countries/cultures use “There, there” or it unique to my area?

I think it was generally said to little, sobbing kids while patting them on the back.

 

[AprilSun]

Someone that talked a lot used to hear "You have the gift of gab".

 

[Marie5656]

My mom would use "mind you" as some sort of exclaimation. My cousin and I still laugh about the time I fell and broke my arm when I was about 8 or 9. When telling people, she would end the story with :she fell on the grass, mind you!!!!

 

[hollydolly]

Someone that talked a lot used to hear "You have the gift of gab".

That's another one that's still used here in everyday conversation

 

[hollydolly]

Talking of people who can't get their story straight.... ''This story more holes than a Swiss cheese''...


''Cock & Bull story'' ....when it's obvious lies...

 

[AprilSun]

That's another one that's still used here in everyday conversation

It may still be used here too but I haven't heard it in decades. But, it could have been because I wasn't around the right people to hear it.

 

[jujube]

"Dog eat dog and the devil take the hindmost"......referring to a situation when you have to look out for yourself.

Or, there's always the one that Norm on "Cheers" used: "It's a dog-eat-dog world out there and I'm wearing Milkbone underwear."

 

[oscash]

I've wondered why, when agreeing with something someone said, people would say, "Here, here!" (or is it "hear, hear?)

Is that a Britishism? I see it in British novels and movies.

Sometimes I watch Question Time from Parliament House in Canberra and "Hear, Hear" is often used by Members of the Party that agrees with what their Members are saying.

 

[StarSong]

Lizards?.. is that a euphemism?.. if not...pray tell why you would chase Lizards ?

The US southwest has lots of lizards. They're quite small - just a few inches long and very adorable. Being desert creatures, they're very poor swimmers. A fair number have met an early demise in our pool. When removing the cover we rescue any little guys who've have been sunning themselves.

 

[hollydolly]

The US southwest has lots of lizards. They're quite small - just a few inches long and very adorable. Being desert creatures, they're very poor swimmers. A fair number have met an early demise in our pool. When removing the cover we rescue any little guys who've have been sunning themselves.

yes we have them in Spain along with gecko's The gecko is often seen climbing the side of the house or the verandah... and the lizards more of often in the arid mountain brush outside of our gated community..

 

[JBR]

Lizards?.. is that a euphemism?.. if not...pray tell why you would chase Lizards ?

Not actually a euphemism. It means someone is going to the "Four Corners" region to enjoy themselves. Young kids in that part of the world may chase lizards for fun. The adult is saying I'm going down there and I'll leave my concerns and usual responsibilities at home... I'll be like a child again... just enjoy myself.