What is an Old Wives’ Tale?
Definition: An old wives’ tale is a superstition stemming from folklore, often passed down through generations. These tales almost always appear implausible yet contain a kernel of wisdom or potential truth.
Related Phrases and Similar Terms
- Folklore: Traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through generations by word of mouth.
- Myth: A traditional story, typically involving supernatural beings or events, that conveys a traditional belief or value.
- Superstition: An irrational belief leading to certain practices or behaviors often grounded in fear or ignorance.
- Urban Legend: Modern folklore consisting of fictional stories, usually with macabre or humorous elements, that are believed to be true.
Synonyms
- Traditional belief
- Legend
- Superstition
- Myth
Antonyms
- Fact
- Science
- Reality
Humorous Quotes
- “An old wives’ tale keeps the mystery fresh!” — G. A. Gabel
- “If you grace the world with your old wives’ tale, it better have a darn good punchline.” — Anonymous
Provocative Proverbs
- “Believe in your dreams, but never in a crossroads turned whiskey bar.” — An old wives’ saying
- “All’s well that ends… in a good ghost story to tell.” — Playful proverb
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, Movies
- Literature: “Old Wives’ Tale” by Arnold Bennett (1908)
- Books: “Mists and Mysteries: Unlocking Age-Old Superstitions” by L. F. Aethers
- Songs: “Superstitious” by Stevie Wonder—because who doesn’t love bopping to a tune that denounces old wives’ tales?
- Poetry: “The Witch Wife” by Edna St. Vincent Millay
- Movies: “Big Fish” (2003)—This modern classic brings fantastical tales into sharper vision.
Inspirational, Thought-Provoking Farewell
Embrace the enchantment each old wives’ tale brings, for in every whimsical proverb lies an ethos of wonder. Remember, life itself is a grand narrative, so let your steadfast belief in magic and mystery be the old wives’ tale you spin into your autobiography.
### Which of these is an example of an old wives’ tale?
- [x] Eating carrots will help you see in the dark.
- [ ] Drinking coffee makes a tree grow in your stomach.
- [ ] Brushing your hair three times teleports you to Jupiter.
- [ ] Snapping your fingers can reverse time.
> **Explanation:** Eating carrots to improve night vision is a classic old wives’ tale. The other options are fanciful nonsense (though coffee-induced trees do paint a peculiar picture).
### What phrase can be used interchangeably with 'old wives’ tale'?
- [x] Folk wisdom
- [ ] High sci-fi
- [ ] Factual history
- [ ] A legally binding contract
> **Explanation:** 'Folk wisdom' encompasses beliefs or old wives’ tales typical to particular communities or cultures. The others are amusing concepts but don't quite capture the same idea.
### True or False: An old wives' tale is grounded in scientific fact.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Old wives’ tales often stem from folklore and superstition and lack scientific validation.
### Pick out the old wives' tale:
- [ ] The theory of relativity
- [x] Stepping on a crack breaks your mother's back
- [ ] Quantum mechanics
- [ ] The conservation of energy
> **Explanation:** The notion of stepping on a crack breaking your mother's back is a textbook example of an old wives’ tale. The other options are firmly grounded in science.
