tell it to Sweeney

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.) "Tell it to Sweeney! (The Stuyvesants will understand.)” was an advertisement for the New York (NY) Daily News, first appearing in August 1922. The Daily News positioned itself as the newspaper of the average working man—such as the Irish “Sweeney.” The name “Stuyvesant” was used to represent blue bloods. Thus, if you advertise in the Daily News and reach the Sweeneys of New York City, the Stuyvesants will also get the message.

Pronunciation

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Phrase

tell it to Sweeney

1. (idiomatic, dated, colloquial) I do not believe what you said.

Synonyms

• tell it to the judge, tell it to the marines; see also Thesaurus:bullshit

Translations

expression of disbelief — see tell it to the marines