“A goaltender is a team’s best penalty killer” (hockey adage)
A hockey team puts out its best defensemen to kill penalties, but its most crucial penalty killer is its goalie. “Your best penalty-killer is your goalie" was said by Philadelphia Flyers…
Archive for 10/2014
“That’s what speed do” (baseball saying)
"That's what speed do" became the slogan of the 2014 Kansas City Royals baseball team, appearing on T-shirts and even in a rap song. Speedy Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson is credited…
“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died”
"Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died" is advice that American humorist Erma Bombeck (1927-1996) gave to readers of her newspaper column in January 1975. If a doctor…
“Work for a cause, not for applause”
A popular inspirational poster is: Work for a cause, not for applause.Live life to express, not to impress.Don't strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.-- Author…
“I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage”
"I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage" was said by American humorist Erma Bombeck (1927-1996) about the cooking of her mother, Erma Haines Harris. "I come from a…
Gaphattan (Gap + Manhattan)
"Gaphattan" (Gap + Manhattan) was coined by New York City-based journalist Gersh Kuntzman in Newsweek magazine in 2003 and was popularized in The Brooklyn Paper (where Kuntzman also…
“Welcome to New York. Duck, Mother Fucker!”
"Welcome to New York. Duck, Mother Fucker!" -- along with the picture of a handgun -- has been printed on many T-shirts. "I break the ice by presenting him with a New York souvenir…
Porno-Graphic (New York Evening Graphic nickname)
The New York (NY) Evening Graphic had a brief run from 1924 to 1932, but it was known for its high circulation in the city and its sensationalism, such as stories of murder and photos of the human…
“You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive”
"You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many gift items, such as T-shirts, bumper stickers and posters. "And then…
“People who complain about the way the ball bounces usually dropped it”
"People who complain about the way the ball bounces usually dropped it" (that is, people who complain about something that is messed-up often caused the mess) is a popular saying.…
“If you’re planning to teach your children the value of a dollar, you’d better hurry up”
Parents often teach their children "the value of a dollar." ""Teach your children the value of a dollar and the value of saving in their early days" was cited in a…
“An income is what you can’t live without or within”
"An income is what you can't live without or within" is a witty saying that was popularized -- with slight variations -- in 1890 and 1920. "You say you can't live within…
“Every thinking person will vote for you.”/“But I need a majority!”
A popular story is told about Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965) when he was running for president in 1952 (or in 1956). Someone heard Stevenson's impressive speech and said, "Every thinking…
“I took an IQ test and the results were negative”
"I took an IQ test and the results were negative" is a jocular line that has been printed on many gift items, such as posters, T-shirts and bumper stickers. Tests for diseases that come…
“If it’s free, it’s advice; if you pay for it, it’s counseling”
"If it's free, it's advice; if you pay for it, it's counseling; if you can use either one, it's a miracle" is a jocular line of uncertain authorship. The saying was…
“Do someone a favor and it becomes your job”
"Do someone a favor and it becomes your job" is a jocular work saying. If you help someone out, then it will quickly become your job to always help out. "Do Someone a Favor and It…
“Defeat is worse than death because you have to live with defeat”
"Defeat is worse than death because you have to live with defeat" is a popular sports saying that is usually attributed to American basketball coach Bill Musselman (1940-2000).…
J-E-T-S (Just End The Suffering)
"J-E-T-S” is a popular chant of football fans of the New York Jets. When the team is losing, some insist that this stands for “Just End The Suffering.” The backronym “Just End The…
“If tomatoes are technically a fruit, is ketchup technically a smoothie?”
Botanically, a tomato is a fruit. "If tomatoes are technically a fruit, is ketchup technically a smoothie?" is a jocular line that has been printed on posters and e-cards. "Today, I…
“My idea of exercise is a good brisk sit”
A good brisk walk is often a recommended form of exercise. ""My idea of exercise is a good brisk sit" is a popular joke that has been told by several people. "His favorite…