I may have written a blog about sayings we remember from our parents. I think it is interesting to find out which sayings I have in common with other families and discovering new ones.

My mum used to say: “You can’t push yourself forward by patting yourself on the back” and “A cardigan is something you put on when your mother is called.”

When swearing Mum said “balderdash” or “poppycock.”

Other sayings were:

"Only boring people get bored."

"Look after your pennies and the pounds will look after themselves."

"Don’t worry about what people think of you as they are too busy worrying what you think of them."

"Mutton dressed up as lamb."

"The place was so small you could not swing a cat in there."

"As Miserable as a bandicoot."

"A giggling Gertie."

"As happy as Larry." 

There are so many sayings that I have forgotten many of them. I hope other people will prompt me to think of more. I am interested in sayings that are mainly found in one country or one town etc. or sayings from another country and if they mean the same in English. Also, people might have a saying that was peculiar to their family.

I talked a lot as a child and my parents said I was vaccinated with a gramophone needle!! Not sure if anyone has heard of that. 

Another one was: There is always a happy medium - Madame Arcati- a reference to the play Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward - I don’t know anyone else who has heard of this saying!!

Now my parents have been dead for 22 years and 16 years respectively, I think of their quaint sayings and it makes feel connected.

Moodscopers, please share any sayings you recall growing up. Maybe from your family, extended family, neighbours’ friends, or school.

Leah 

A Moodscope member