ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me

idiom
Meaning

A response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference.


Origin

first recorded 19th c.

The earliest recording dates from March 1862 in the US, but is implied to have been used earlier.

Examples
SIMPLE

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

CONTEXTUAL

When the bullies teased him at school, he ignored them and said, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

COMPLEX

She maintained her composure during the heated debate, reminding her critics that sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a wild goose never laid a tame egg

    Most things are inherited and predetermined.

  2. 02

    bag of bones

    A skinny, malnourished person or animal.

  3. 03

    big break

    A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.

  4. 04

    break a leg

    Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.

  5. 05

    break a sweat

    To put effort into something.

  6. 06

    break cover

    To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.

  7. 07

    break down

    To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.

  8. 08

    break even

    To neither gain nor lose money.

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