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

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/sticks-and-stones-may-break-my-bones-but-words-will-never-hurt-me
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.