In the car we were all swapping retorts that we had learned at some point. I was most amused to learn that some that I learned sixty years ago were still in use among kids. Our joint list included:
- “I know you are but what am I?”
- “It takes one to know one.”
- “So funny I forgot to laugh so I think I will now…Hardee har har”
- “A skunk smells its own stink first.”
What I enjoyed most was that none of these were particularly cruel, malicious or shaming. Rather they turned the insult back on the one giving it. I welcome any mild examples to add to our very short list. But these have clearly stood the test of time.
Saved By Words 
Of those, I only know ‘it takes one to know one’. The rest are new to me. I presume they are very ‘American’. (Much like ‘That Sucks’, which is never heard in conversation here)
Best wishes, Pete.
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“That sucks” isn’t heard in my house either. Way too crass.
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Ah, I wasn’t aware of the social aspects of the phrase.
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Fortunately you don’t use it.
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I still hear them nowadays too 🙂
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It’s funny that they last so long. And around the world too.
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I remember the first 4, but not the last one. I remember responding ‘Et Vous?’ or ‘And yourself?’ back in the day, but don’t hear that anymore. 😉
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I forgot Et Vous. We used to use that all the time.
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🙂 I said the first 3 – brings back memories!
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The second was is familiar to me but I haven’t heard the others.
“Sticks & stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!”
is one we used to use here in Australia. Of course this isn’t true but as kids we didn’t realize this!
Blessings,
Jennifer
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We used that all the time and I never understood why it didn’t seem true.
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I’m rubber, and you’re glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.
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Excellent. I will try to remember to tell the kids that one.
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My Mom’s favorite was, “A guilty conscience needs no accuser”.
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That gets to the heart of things doesn’t it.
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😊😊
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Similar to your last one: He who smelt it dealt it.
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I will definitely add this to our repertoire.
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I’m glad these oldies but goodies are still in use!
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Isn’t it crazy that they endure like that?
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it is!
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