Mere~Words
— Books & Stones —

'Dictionary' Words can't Hurt you:*BritBudBook Reviews, Rachel & Annie, and Cj Thanks for the 'Word.'
Whatever happened to the expression "Sticks & Stones will break your bones, but mere words will never hurt you?" At what stage do you 'Go over the Line' or do folks look for any 'interpretation' they just choose to select at the time? There are those that make a living ranting-randomly by putting their targets under a microscope. But, of course, you know that!

— Phobias~Idioms —
We all have phobias - big or small - that we often 'mask' as too embarrassing to tell anyone. Example: Fear of clowns 'Coulrophobia' perhaps your not-everyday 'Fear of Heights' or 'Closed in Elevator' issues? There was once an entire 'Seinfeld' episode that focused on Goofy-Kramer's fear of Clowns! Although a 'Biggie' with me is 'Fear of Women!'
– Doesn't everyone have some kind of phobia? Do You? –
So often many of us simply go out of our way to avoid uncomfortable situations that we just don't want to take the time to confront anymore: We all have those that we've just seemingly 'Tucked-Away'..! Sometimes the quietest hearts speak the most beautiful truths.
– Favorite Expression: Is it 'Over & What's Next' –
How can issues that, once upon a time, just be referred to as 'Stupid'–then we just moved on–go so off-base of late? It's not always about WHAT you get away with – It's HOW you get away with it!
~ A Stream of Consciousness Approach ~
This hoopla is a true indication of the more is NOT more, 'Tude! You never know how you might be perceived and, of course, we all know ‘Perception’ twists Reality" every single time. A Canadian expression, Quote: "Ya-know, we aren't 'Bout' all good, but we aren't ALL bad either." Silly Example: You see a car totally wrecked, but the rear tire is completely intact: Hence, nothing is ALL bad! I could go on but, of course, none of you would want me to!
How about the old 'Glass is 1/2 full/half empty analogy along with the stream 'Live & Let Live or Bait & Switch' my least favorite on so many levels! Expressions/Adages such as: 'No excuse for bad-behavior - Pick your Battles – He gave me a slap in the face, so just turn, don't put your face into it – No kisser damage there.' *Philosophically speaking: Kantor - Immanuel Kant = Turn the other cheek is not always workable - It Takes Two to Tango!
What did we do before agendas were over-explained to us via social media as to how everything should be.
Often to be generational - OMG Gag me with a Spoon: I know NOT a current expression, but it could be on Tik-Tok? — I do like looking at our absurd idioms and out-of-date expressions, particularly ones from our generation, that we often intertwine into our everyday colloquial conversations or currently just observed memories from Thrift Shops.

Current idioms: Reverting to 'mom-isms' cautioning not to pay too much for something just because I wanted it, especially these days! Sibling rivalry – "So, do I have to separate you two?" Remembering: Constant childish curiosities to just 'Know Things'–which I had before learning as a student became a duty instead of a Game–learning was my duty–now it's become my Game.
The one I always hated was, "Girls will be girls and boys will be boys." I always thought it was said to keep girls from competing with boys (particularly in the classroom) or currently in sports that give boys a Huge-Pass for truly bad {often demeaning to women} unfair behavior!
I wonder about the disparity between, 'Fake it until you make it and be true to yourself.' Am I being true to myself if I'm faking it? It is not what you make-of-yourself – But what others might make of you.
Do you often Feel Like a Rolling Stone~Collateral Damage uses via Sacks of Books—Penny for your thoughts? You get what you paid for — Act Stupid~But be Smart about it!
Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California
'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -
About the Creator
Jay Kantor
'For The Kids Someday'
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions





Comments (32)
congratulations on top story-- and your art.. a picture tells many words!
Truth and Humor- you hit it out of the park. Well deserved Top Story. Nicely Done!!!!
Hilarious!!! Fun Top Story!!! Congratulations, Jay!!!❤️❤️💕
It's funny to think how colloquial language changes between generations, and how different our expressions can be! "Am I being true to myself if I'm faking it?"- oooh that's a good question. I've often used that 'fake it til you make it' expression myself, especailly when first beginning to teach. I guess it depends on whether you are compromising yourself in any way! As always, food for thought from you Jay. Hope all is well!
Jk - Love your observational pieces. Great insight. -K-
Haha! This brought me back quite a few memories and 'pet-peeves'. I used to wonder about the origin of some of the idioms that exist, mainly the ones that didn't make sense to me... Like, why would I cry over spilled milk? Just let the cat or dog lick it up and everyone will be fine. Nice article, Jay-bud. Had me grinning like a 'bat out of hell.
Much truth and much humour, Jay. This was truly a deserving TS.
I absolutely love your sense of humor, Jay! You seem to be finding amusement in almost everything in life and that is the stance I admire. Totally deserving TS!
Dear Step-Son Once again, you regale us all with your deep thoughts. You bring a humor to everyday that only you can. Love Step-Mom
You've left me chuckling and in awe again, J-Bud! Our generation certainly had our share of idioms. Thanks for the refresher course, and congrats on Top Story!
Congrats on top story!!! This is brilliant xxx
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Love the sense of humor! Fun one.
Ruminations of the Jay variety. You know that you an old so and so right. We all go allergic to different things on different days. Mixing it up is what life is about. Nowadays girls will be boys and boys will be girls, can barely tell the difference...so there you have it. You should be happy now...its all connected. We are old so and sos...still going strong...mostly.
Good one, Jay! Your work is always fun to read.
We sure do employ language in the darndest ways sometimes, don't we? Does often feel like we're encouraged to tuck away the uncomfortable. But I'd say that breeds far too much complacency! Great exploration of phobias, idioms, and some destinations in between, Jay!
This was like riding a rollercoaster through idioms, memories, and cultural quirks—equal parts wit and wisdom! Loved the playful stream-of-consciousness style. ‘Act stupid but be smart about it’ might just be my new life motto.
Congratulations on your Top Story 🎉🥳🥰
Unique and refreshing. Fun too! LOVE your sketch!!!
"He's a good egg" is always one that makes me (and the other person) laugh. Gives me a humpty dumpty kind-of image :)
Love this Jay. Made me smile all the way through. I'm fascinated with idioms and weird things we say too! Cartoons are spot on :)
Yep, it takes two to tango & I never learned how to dance. Fun trip down memory aphorisms.
"It is what it is" That's a phrase I "hate to love and love to hate" 🤦on many, many levels. Thought provoking as ever JK. 😁
I have lived my life by idioms. My mother was a great one for idioms. Many of the ones you presented brought back memories for me. Thanks Jay.
Great insights and cartoon!