🍂 Welcome to the world of “Sacred Cows” where certain people, groups, or institutions are considered so hallowed, they are untouchable—like a Teflon-coated deity who scoffs at criticism and shrugs off scrutiny. The phrase draws from the Hindu belief that cows symbolize divine generosity. Much like cows ambling across Indian streets, these ‘sacred cows’ languor in our conversations, beyond any reproach.
Margaret Mitchell, in her epic tour de force Gone With the Wind (1936), tickles the concept with her quote: “I think of my brother, living among the sacred cows of Charleston, and most reverent towards them.”
Let’s journey into more examples, synonyms, humorous takes, and enrichments to make this linguistics sojourn both educational and delightfully entertaining!
Related and Similar Terms
Untouchables: No, not the cool prohibition-era gangbusters, but those untouchable souls beyond criticism.
Holy Grail: An ultimate pursuit that is often lionized, much like a sacred cow.
Iconoclast: The antonym to a sacred cow. An iconoclast loves to sledgehammer revered institutions.
Sacred Cows of Charlatanism: When charlatans elevate themselves to untouchable status.
The Golden Calf: An object of idolatry, often blindly revered.
Proverbs, Expressions, and Phrases
Bulletproof: Impervious to criticism.
On a pedestal: Elevated to a level untouchable by common folks.
God’s gift to mankind: Arrogant self-perception immune to criticism.
“Don’t slaughter your own sacred cows”: Beware of tearing down what others worship.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
Books:
1984 by George Orwell - A haunting tale where the Party becomes the ‘sacred cow’ of the populace.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - A world where soma and societal norms form untouchable beliefs.
Movies:
The Man Who Knew Too Little - Invading the very idea of untouchable ideas and people.
Pleasantville - An idyllic world where certain norms remain unchallenged before everything turns technicolor and chaotic.
Songs:
“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell - A ditty reminding us that making something sacred can often lead to its unintended consequence.
Poetry:
“If” by Rudyard Kipling - Here, Kipling discusses maintaining dignity even when others around lost theirs.
Humorous Quotes
“In every language, there are sacred cows, there are habits that inhibit freedom and growth, and there’s perseverance that helps hack them to bits.”
- Alok Mishra
Quizzes and Explanations
With humor, inspiration, and some quirky insights, we hope you found our linguistic ramblings over ‘sacred cows’ both enjoyable and thought-provoking. May your challenges to sacred cows be ever-statuesque in wit and ever-razor-sharp in intellect!
Until our next word escapade, W. E. Uphraise
Date: 2023-10-10
