There are a countless number of classic ‘momisms’ that we all heard a million times growing up. Showcased on television and in our own homes, there is an understood, worldwide language of mom that is passed down from generation to generation. Here to bring back some childhood memories and provide a few laughs, here are some of every mom’s most used sayings.
1. “I never talked to my mother like that.”
Just when you thought the argument was over, dear mom hits you with the guilt card. Usually followed by something dealing with the downfall of manners and morals in your generation, she shakes her head and secretly hopes you don't know well enough to know this isn't true. Don't worry Mom, we won’t tell anyone and will repeat the same thing to our kids.
2. "So you’re telling me that if Joe jumped off of a bridge, you would too?”
You’ve dug yourself into a deep hole, kid and there’s no coming back from this one. Seeing as though the obvious answer is no, Mom has you cornered with this classic comeback. You’ve got to give it to her though, it is a good point.
3. “Close the door! Were you raised in a barn?”
You were either in a rush, half asleep, or running in to drag mud and goodness knows what else through the house when you heard this one. Clearly not Mom, but I’ll shut the door anyway.
4. “Why? Because I said so!”
Oh, how we all hate this one. Sally invited you over to study and because Mom is Mom, what she says goes and what she said was “because I said so.” Leaving you to forever wonder what in the world that even meant, you’re left with one less plan and time to ponder the logic behind this timeless ‘momism’.
5. “Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about.”
Uh oh, you’re in trouble. She’s not kidding either, dry those tears and run or she’s right, you really will have something to not cry, but ‘end of the world sob’ about.
6. “Don't think I won’t turn this car around.”
A child’s worst nightmare-being trapped in a car with a furious mother only a few feet away. Whatever you were doing wrong, you quickly figured out how to do it right or you had a whole new kind of painful memory on the side of the highway.
7. “I'm going to count to three! One, two, ....”
Better kick into hyperdrive and pick up that toy or close your mouth, because that dreadful five-lettered word is coming and it’s coming with a lot of force. If you haven’t picked up on it, Mom’s not kidding and once she says “three”, if you haven't done what you were told, you’ve got a chair facing the corner with your name written all over it.
8. “Are your legs/arms broken?”
This is code for “Your lazy self asked me to do something you’re perfectly capable of doing and what I’m doing is far more important than what you’re doing.” In other words, you’ll be sitting around waiting for whatever it is for a long time if you don't do it yourself.
9. “One day, you’ll thank me.”
For most of us, Mom was right with this one. One of the many things you’ll thank her for is supplying you with all these momisms to senselessly repeat to your children one day.
10. “I brought you into this world and I can just as easily take you out of it!”
She’s had enough of you and is now threatening to rid you of life itself. Nice, right? Of course, moms never carried through with this one, but she did have something to successfully make me realize it was probably about time I said “yes ma’am” and took a step back. Just give her some cool down time, she’ll be asking you what you want for dinner before you know it.
11. “Ask your dad.”
This always meant that mom had no clue what to tell you or just didn't want to be the one to make the decision, so Dad, this one is on you.
12. “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
At the point that you were old enough to ask for money, you were probably aware enough to realize this without mom’s confirmation of the matter. Thanks anyways, mom. Regardless, this is a lesson you’ll thank her for later.
13. “Do you think I was born yesterday?”
There’s something with moms and asking questions that have obvious answers just to get a point across. Yes Mom, we know you weren't born yesterday, but we were going to try and sneak this past you anyways. My advice? Don't even try; mom’s have eyes everywhere.
14. “If you can’t say anything nice, don't say anything at all.”
Mom has always been right about this one. Sometimes followed by a “do as I say, not as I do”, she was right in telling you to take the high road.
15. “I love you.” A phrase best said by Mom, there is nothing like a mother’s love.
Regardless of the 'momisms' we all rolled our eyes upon hearing, no one teaches lessons like Mom does. We love you, moms, regardless of how many times you say “because I said so!”