sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me en · X
Pronunciation
Etymology
The earliest recording dates from March 1862 in the US, but is implied to have been used earlier.
Meanings
- (idiomatic) A response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me | alternative | lexicographic | |
| sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me | alternative | lexicographic | |
| sticks and stones | alternative | lexicographic | |
| sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me | alternative | lexicographic | |
| sticks and stones may break my bones | alternative | lexicographic |
Antonyms
the tongue wounds more than a lance
Relateds
Synonyms
the pen is mightier than the sword
Translations (12)
pl kije i kamienie kości mi połamią, ale słowa nigdy mnie nie zranią (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · ro nu mor caii când vor câinii (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · sh дрвље и камење (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · fi ei haukku haavaa tee (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · hi लाठी और पत्थर मेरी हड्डियों को तोड़ सकते हैं, लेकिन शब्द मुझे कभी चोट नहीं देंगे (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · ro câinii latră, ursul merge (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · de was kümmert's die Eiche wenn die Sau dran schabt (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · fi joka toista haukkuu, sen napa paukkuu (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · fr la bave du crapaud n'atteint pas la blanche colombe (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · es a palabras necias, oídos sordos (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · sh drvlje i kamenje (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference) · ru хоть горшко́м назови́, то́лько в пе́чку не ставь (a response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference)