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Etymology Journal ยท D

Don't give me that look

Meaning

Stop using your facial expression to show disagreement, judgment, or annoyance. It is a way of calling out someone's passive-aggressive body language.

Stern, observant

Used in a sentence

  • You are going to eat your vegetables, so do not give me that look.
  • I know you think it is a bad idea, but do not give me that look.
  • She saw him roll his eyes and said, don't give me that look.

The backstory

This is a simple, direct observation of human behavior. It is likely as old as language itself, as parents have been staring down defiant children for generations.

Heard in

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