sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me
Appearance
English
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]- sticks and stones; sticks and stones may break my bones; sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me; sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me; sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me
Etymology
[edit]The earliest recording dates from March 1862 in the US, but is implied to have been used earlier.[1]
Pronunciation
[edit]
Phrase
[edit]sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me
- (idiomatic) A response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference.
- Synonym: the pen is mightier than the sword
- Antonym: the tongue wounds more than a lance
Usage notes
[edit]- Mostly used by young children.
Translations
[edit]a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference
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