Etymology Journal ยท D
Don't start nothing, won't be nothing
Meaning
- A street-smart warning that if you don't pick a fight, there won't be any conflict. It is the golden rule of conflict avoidance.
Firm, street-wise
Used in a sentence
- Just walk away from the argument, don't start nothing, won't be nothing.
- I am here to have a good time, don't start nothing, won't be nothing.
- My dad always told me, don't start nothing, won't be nothing.
The backstory
Common in urban American slang, this has a rhythmic quality that makes it memorable. It is a concise statement of cause and effect regarding drama.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check