My dad sometimes says “Don’t feel pregnant” when I tell him how I’m feeling. For instance, I’ll tell him “I feel like all I do is work”, he’ll say “Don’t feel pregnant”. I think it may mean “ Don’t feel like you’re the only one” or something similar. I’ve looked the saying up online and can’t find a true meaning or etymology of it. My fiancé says he’s never heard that saying. Does anyone know? My dad is 69, we are American, and speak English, for reference. I am unsure of our nationality. I know his grandfather (maternal) was a full-blooded Cherokee Indian, last name Barton.
12
-
Ask your dad why he says it. Are you American by any chance? What is your dad's dialect or mother tongue?– Mari-Lou AJan 26, 2020 at 15:23
-
We are American and speak English. I will ask him lol. He will more than likely say, “I don’t know. That’s what Mama (or Daddy) used to say”... I am very interested in knowing : )– StephanieJan 26, 2020 at 15:33
-
It could be a pun, a "dad joke" if you prefer, on “don't fall pregnant”. If he is the son of immigrants we might get closer to the mystery. I have not heard of this line, and I am quite old! Come back and let us know :)– Mari-Lou AJan 26, 2020 at 15:35
-
I just asked and he said, “Me, I guess” lol– StephanieJan 26, 2020 at 15:38
-
Mary, thank you!!! I was hoping an older person may be able to help me!! My dad is 69, so I’m sure he heard it when he was younger.– StephanieJan 26, 2020 at 15:41
|
Show 7 more comments
2 Answers
I am 70, born and raised in the USA, Caucasian, Protestant, middle class. We used this phrase a lot when I was young; I mainly remember hearing and saying it in high school in the mid- to late ‘60’s. It means “You’re not the only one,” “It’s not that big a deal.” It’s like a shrug . . . a “meh.”
This saying is similar to "dont feel special." You told him you feel like you work all the time, everyone feels that way so dont feel special. That's how I take the saying. I'm assuming it's not a commonly used because well, its rude.
