sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me
A response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
“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.”
“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.”
first recorded 19th c.
The earliest recording dates from March 1862 in the US, but is implied to have been used earlier.
- 01
a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
- 02
all bedlam breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 03
all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 04
bad word
A vulgar word.
- 05
bag of bones
A skinny, malnourished person or animal.
- 06
beat off with a stick
To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).
- 07
beat with the ugly stick
Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.
- 08
big break
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
Last updated August 10, 2026