🥚 Egg in your Beer, What Do You Want?
Definition
egg in your beer, what do you want? - Why are you complaining? What special advantage do you think you’re entitled to? This American slang expression dates from the first half of the twentieth century and became popular in the armed forces during World War II, in reply to any kind of griping.
Origins & Interesting Tidbits
The actual addition of an egg to a glass of beer is presumably viewed as some kind of enrichment; one writer suggests it was regarded as an aphrodisiac, enhancing potency. The traditional English wassail bowl contains porter, eggs, and sherry, and Thomas Hardy (in The Three Strangers, 1883) gives a recipe for mead that includes egg white, but few if any other recipes call for such a combination, and probably they have nothing to do with this cliché anyway.
Similar Terms & Phrases:
- Looking a gift horse in the mouth: Criticizing or questioning the value of a gift.
- Having your cake and eating it too: Wanting both of two good things that are typically incompatible.
- Grasping at straws: Making a weak or desperate attempt at something.
Synonyms:
- Quibbler – someone who raises trivial objections.
- Complainant – one who expresses dissatisfaction or grievance.
Antonyms:
- Gratified – fully satisfied.
- Content – in a state of peaceful happiness.
Humorous Quotes:
“If you want grass on your fields, it also helps not to fill them with gripes.” - P. Whinelot
Proverbs:
“When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” – Instead of complaining, make the best of a bad situation.
Literature:
- Book: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller – If you’re interested in humorous yet thought-provoking takes on military life and complaints.
- Poetry: The Complaint by William Wordsworth – Dive into this classic poem that explores human grievances.
- Song: Whine Me Up by Gwen Stefani – Celebrate the art of a good gripe in a musically catchy way.
- Movie: Forrest Gump – A humorous take on making the best out of odd, sometimes grim situations.
Quizzes
Farewell thought: Remember, life is a careful balance of making do with what you have and striving for what you desire. 🍻 Adjust your expectations wisely, and you might just find that life’s simpler offerings can be just as enriching.
Published by R. U. Sirius Spreading whimsy through the wonder of words.
