Etymology Journal · W
What do you want, a cookie?
Meaning
- A sarcastic response directed at someone who is bragging about doing something basic or expected. It implies that their achievement is not worthy of praise or a reward.
Sarcastic, dismissive
Used in a sentence
- So you actually showed up to work on time today? What do you want, a cookie?
- I finished the dishes. What do you want, a cookie?
- Look, doing your taxes is just being an adult. What do you want, a cookie?
The backstory
The exact origin is hazy, but it likely stems from the habit of giving children small rewards like cookies for completing simple tasks. The phrase turns that concept into a biting critique of adult arrogance.
Heard in
Nationwide
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