Etymology Journal ยท W
Was you born in a barn?
Meaning
- A stern question used to scold someone for leaving a door wide open. It implies that you have no manners regarding climate control or privacy.
Annoyed, parent-like
Used in a sentence
- Close that screen door, was you born in a barn?
- Hey, shut the fridge door, was you born in a barn?
- You are letting all the heat out, was you born in a barn?
The backstory
This is a classic parental admonition. It relies on the imagery of farm life, where keeping doors shut is essential to protect livestock.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check