How the Term “Don’t Have a Cow” Originated
The phrase “don’t have a cow” has been around for decades, dating back as far as the 1950s. While the exact origin isn’t clear, it appears there was a British saying along the same lines that referenced “having kittens” rather than a cow. This cow catchphrase is certainly a descriptive one that doesn’t conjure up the best imagery.
In general, the term means ‘don’t flip out’ or ‘calm down’. It’s usually reserved for someone who is overreacting to a situation that isn’t serious. It definitely isn’t the most sensitive way to address an upset individual, but that’s probably why a lot of teens use it when talking to one another.
Famous Uses of “Don’t Have a Cow”
Though it had already been a catchphrase for years, it wasn’t until the 1980s when the term began to pop up frequently in TV shows and movies. One of the earliest known uses was on the 1982 The Facts of Life episode “Mind Your Own Business”.
Of course, the most recognizable use of the term “don’t have a cow” comes from The Simpsons character Bart Simpson. Thanks to this little yellow guy, and all the merchandise featuring him, the term was highly popularized in the early 1990s. However, the term was used in cartoons before Bart Simpson came along. Shaggy Rogers from the hit cartoon Scooby-Doo also used the phrase quite often among his other zany comments.
Modern Revival of the Phrase
Today, the kooky website Cheezburger.com is reviving the popular term with a humorous series of cow pics and cow-related stories that the web team adds captions to. It’s possibly the first time cows were the ones using the catchphrase.
Conclusion
From its mysterious origins in the 1950s to its popularization by Bart Simpson and its modern-day revival on Cheezburger.com, “don’t have a cow” has remained a quirky, memorable part of our language. Whether used to defuse a tense situation or simply to add a bit of humor, this idiom has certainly stood the test of time.
Image Source: cnrd