We tend to miss things that don’t register as familiar. Old catch phrases for example. There’s a spice-of-life in these cultural expressions. Let’s toss a pinch into the mix and see what you notice.
Meet Douglas Young. He’s 82 and golfs every day. His wife passed away a long time ago. Today he’s back together with his high school sweetheart (my dear Mother-in-law). When you get to know Doug, he tosses out colloquialisms with delightful regularity. Yet, if you stop and ponder them, they tend to make you think, “Huh?”
Whenever Doug see’s you off, you’ll hear him quip,
“Write if you get work and hang by your thumbs.”
“Huh?”
This came from a 1930’s radio show hosted by Bob and Ray Goulding. Their trademark sign-off was "This is Ray Goulding reminding you to write if you get work"; "Bob Elliott reminding you to hang by your thumbs." The Gouldings said this to pick up the spirits of their listeners affected by the depression. Today our "Great Recession" has people hanging by their thumbs in different ways:
- looking for work
- how to start a business to make more money
- looking for motivation in the workplace
- self-development to be a better employee
- looking for a new job because you've said under your breath, "I hate my boss"
You’ll also hear Doug say, “That’s enough to hair-lip the Governor.”
“Huh?”
(The origins of this idiom are as fuzzy as the metaphor. Enough to say it has to do with an amazing turn of events.)
Doug also likes to say in the middle of a competitive game of horseshoes, “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings. And she’s not even warming up!” complete with his signature laugh.
(The origin appears to be a Sounthern proverb, "The carnival isn't over until the fat lady sings.")
The other day he said, “That’s like closing the barn door after the horses are out!” referring to a guy who stopped smoking after a lung cancer diagnosis.
Stick around long enough and Doug will lob a few others.
“She was madder than a wet hen in a tote sack.”
“How am I doing? 'Finer than frog hair!'”
“I'll see you then, Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise.”
Catch phrases today continue to come from popular media, noted figures and spoofs of an odd corporate event...
“That’s what she said,” from The Office.
“Here’s Johnny” by Ed McMahon from The Tonight Show and revised into a creepy twist by Jack Nicholson in The Shining.
Last year? “Winning – duh!” from Charlie 'Flew Over the Coo Coo's Nest' Sheen.
Today? "Linsanity" referring to basketball phenom who's changing the status quo - Jeremy Lin.
Catch phrases have a certain ‘shelf-life’ then they lose their catchiness. But, given our shaky economy, here’s one that might hit close to home and put a smile on your face:
Write if you get work and hang by your thumbs.
PS If you are looking for ways to think big, make more money or have ever caught yourself saying, "I hate my boss" your attitude is everything that needs an adjustment. Stop hanging by your thumbs. It's important and urgent you switch into Sales Training mode and click here:
