I finally put a new lightbulb in so it’s not so dark here in the cellar. Down we go again on the creaky, squeaky steps. Let’s pull on the string to turn the lightbulb on. During the last two trips down here we went to the Silly Sayings box, so let’s explore Famous Phrases this time. Go ahead. Reach in and grab something.
Look at this! Maybe you hear your grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts or uncles say these words:
“For lands sake alive,” or maybe they say, “Sakes alive.”
These famous phrases are very old-fashioned, mild exclamations. They can mean a variety of reactions such as surprise, alarm, dismay, annoyance, or exasperation. These phrases are primarily spoken in the United States but not other English speaking countries.
Here’s some examples:
Land sake, look at the time! How is it nearly midnight already?
For land’s sake, Bill, would it kill you to take out the trash once in a while?
Sakes alive, that cyclist nearly hit me!
(From The Free Dictionary by Farlex)
My research says this phrase originally had some religious words included, but today it doesn’t and it’s considered a mild exclamation.
Fun things to do
The next time you’re around your much older relatives listen to famous phrases they use that nobody else you know uses. Ask them how they learned those words and why they use them.- What are some “modern” phrases that you and your friends use that perhaps your parents or other older relatives don’t know?
- What words do you use instead of “Sakes Alive,” that mean surprise, annoyance or exasperation?
- Draw, paint or embroider a saying like Lands Sake or Sakes Alive. You could then frame your artwork and give it to someone as a gift. I found this embroidery example on nobbieneezkids.com.
- And if you think that embroidery is only for girls, then maybe you have never heard of former National Football League player Rosie Grier who embroidered and even wrote a book about it.
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