I have never been into Thanksgiving because of the way the holiday is portrayed vs. the reality of the relationship between the Native Americans and the settlers from Western Europe.  Truthfully it’s merely a welcome “off day” for me.  But the one cool thing about Thanksgiving is that it gives family a chance to gather.  For some they would rather stay away from family, but with my schedule in life, I generally don’t get the chance to see them.  The holiday presents an opportunity for everyone to gather in the same space for a short period of time.  Sort of a mini-family reunion.

Back in the day I was the little kid running around with my cousins.  Now I am a part of the grown folk.  There are still a few remaining elders among us, and seeing them reminds me of the things they used to say.  During these times when the “grown folk” get together, I reminisce about the funny antidotes they used to say when talking to us or to one another or to us.  The feisty and clever one liners.  I will offer a few of my favorites… feel free to share some of yours too! 

First I will give you the line, and then the interpretation behind it.   Enjoy!

Everybody thats grinnin ain’t smiling.  (For recognizing the difference between friends and those who pretend to be friends.

A stitch in time saves nine. (The virtues of dealing with any task early as opposed to later after major damage is done.)

You don’t think fat meat greasy! (That is when a person is being hard headed.  In other words he/she continues to do something that could bring danger and possibly a whooping!)

Imma give ya something to cry for! (This is when a child cries for a reason that doesn’t merit crying.  A whooping is forth coming if the crying doesn’t immediately stop)

What are we eating?  Mustgo!  Whatever didn’t go yesterday, must-go today!  (My grandmother the late Georgia Moore when she wasn’t hearing the thought of cooking that night.)

And My Personal Favorite~

Ain’t nothing open after midnight but legs!  (Old school classic for enforcing curfew.  If your home after midnight, you must have been screwing.)

Give me some more family!