👫 Familiarity Breeds Contempt
Familiarity breeds contempt - Overexposure or knowing something or someone too thoroughly can turn liking into hostility. The idea behind this expression dates from ancient times—the Roman writer Publilius Syrus used it around 43 B.C., and approximately twelve hundred years later, Pope Innocent III repeated it, also in Latin. The first English record appeared in Nicholas Udall’s translation of Erasmus’s sayings (1548): “Familiaritye bringeth contempt.” Later writers often stated it with humor or irony, notably Mark Twain, who remarked in his unpublished diaries (Notebooks, ca. 1900): “Familiarity breeds contempt—and children.”
Spicing Up Your Vocabulary 📖
Related and Similar Terms:
- Familiarity breeds a pickle – Sometimes too much closeness leads to sticky situations.
- Too close for comfort – It’s uncomfortable getting too close and personal.
- Taken for granted – Appreciation turns to expectation and boredom.
Inspirational & Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Familiarity breeds contempt, but absence makes the heart grow fonder.” —Someone who appreciated personal space.
- “If you think knowledge is power, then familiarity must be ignorance.” —Anonymous Philosopher
- “Familiarity breeds contempt—and children.” —Mark Twain
Proverbs & Expressions:
- Out of sight, out of mind – Absence often leads to indifference.
- A prophet is not without honor except in his own town – Familiarity with a person’s origins can diminish others’ respect.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies: 📚🎬
- Book: “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens – Explore Pip’s tumultuous relationships.
- Movie: “When Harry Met Sally” – Love can be tricky and complex, especially if familiarity is involved.
- Song: “Thank You for Being a Friend” by Andrew Gold – Celebrates long-term friendships.
- Poetry: “This Is Just To Say” by William Carlos Williams – Familiarity and playful apology.
- Show: “Friends” – Long-term friendships navigating ups and downs of familiarity.
Quiz Time! 🧠
May you navigate familiarity with finesse, keeping the right distance to appreciate and be appreciated! Farewell for now, until our expressions meet again.
— Samantha Pagewind
