It looks the money

Folks, as far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with words and phrases.

Early the other morning I got to thinking about the many sayings, clichés, ethnic and racial expressions that have become a part of my language and therefore a part of me.

The heading of this column is a saying I heard from my black friends many moons ago when I worked for General Motors as a teenager. It was my first experience of working and being friends with people of another color and ethnic background. My life became richer as I became involved with them and their language.

Although I had never heard that expression before, I immediately knew what they meant as they commented on a new jacket I wore to work that day. They said, "Joe, it looks the money," and I knew they liked and approved of my jacket.

Other sayings came racing into my mind. Many of you will recall some, if not all, of these sayings. Be that as it may, I hope you get as much fun out of remembering them as I did. Those of you, who may be younger, will perhaps learn some new saying and phrases that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Sharp as a tack, razor sharp mind, dull as a hoe, bright as a new penny, dumb as an ox, happy as a lark, strong as a bull, weak as a cat, stiff as an old horse, stiff as a board, stubborn as a mule, fat as a hog, skinny as a rail, gentle as a lamb, crazy as a loon, straight as an arrow, crooked as a corkscrew, cold as a gambler’s heart, sweet as a peach, smooth as silk, sour as green apples, hungry as a bear, full as a tick, high as a kite, drunk as a skunk, sober as a judge, quick as a wink, slow as a snail, lies like a rug, fresh as a daisy, generous to a fault, clean as a pin, ugly as a mud fence, sick as a dog, spend money like a drunken sailor, tight as a wad, pinch penny, clumsy as an ox, old as Methuselah, young squirt, silly as a goose, middle age spread, tough as nails, full of hot air, full of prunes, more guts than a Christmas goose, yellow streak down his back, no backbone, spineless, and their word is their bond!

I am sure I will recall more sayings after I send this to the editor. I do remember many others that I cannot have published.

Never the less if you enjoyed recalling old sayings, etc. half as much as I did writing about them my efforts have been worthwhile.

If you did not enjoy this article at all – tough cookies!

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