Whiteisms
The Archive

Etymology Journal · G

Go ask your mother

Meaning

The classic dad response to a question he does not want to answer or does not have the authority to answer. It is the ultimate way to pass the buck to the other parent.

Humorous, evasive

Used in a sentence

  • Can I have a cookie before dinner? Go ask your mother.
  • Dad, can we go to the movies? Go ask your mother.
  • I want to go to the party, but Dad just told me to go ask your mother.

The backstory

Rooted in the traditional division of domestic decision-making, where one parent acts as the gatekeeper for specific household rules. It is an enduring cliché of American parenthood.

Heard in

Nationwide

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