There’s certainly a lot to love about mums from constantly running around after you to teaching you life’s very necessary lessons, and that’s not to mention all the iconic phrases she’s come out with over the years. Just in time for Mother’s Day, we present to you our all-time favourite mum phrases and their other more hidden meanings.

Oh, and another way you can let your dear mother know just how much you appreciate her is by grabbing a Mother’s Day card from thortful where you can find something that really suits her.

Caring mum phrases

Part of being a mother means being super thoughtful and kind-hearted beings, which in turn means they have many great caring mum phrases. Some are extremely specific to certain situations, but most are simply telling you to not do something. Here are just a few of our favourites:

  • “You’ll live.”
    What it means: Stop fretting, you’ll be fine.
  • “Don’t put your coat on yet or you’ll not feel the benefit outside.”
    What it means: I don’t want you to be freezing when you go outside.
  • “One day you’ll thank me.”
    What it means: I’m only trying to help you.
  • “Don’t put that in your mouth, you don’t know where it’s been.”
    What it means: Stop being so gross.
  • “Don’t sit too close to the TV, you’ll get square eyes.”
    What it means: Why do you need to sit so close; you’re blocking my view.
  • “I’ll always love you.”
    What it means: You may annoy me sometimes but there’s nothing that could make me not love you.

Things mums say when you’re being troublesome

Now whilst I’m sure we’d all love to claim that we were absolutely angelic as children but if we’re being honest then that would be a bit of a fib. Luckily, it seems like every mother has a long list of phrases ready to use, here are some of our favourite things mums say when you were being troublesome:

  • “You live under my roof. My house, my rules.”
    What it means: Until you move out you listen to me.
  • “Don’t make me ask again. I’m going to give you until the count of three. 1… 2…”
    What it means: I don’t have time for this.
  • “I’m not asking you, I’m telling you.”
    What it means: I didn’t ask for an opinion.
  • “Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about.”
    What it means: Don’t test me right now.
  • “I will turn this car around.”
    What it means: Don’t make me turn this car around.
  • “I don’t care who started it, I’m finishing it.”
    What it means: Honestly, I’m so tired of these silly fights and arguments.
  • “You better wipe that look off your face.”
    What it means: Don’t look so smarmy.
  • “If you want to act like a child, I’ll treat you like one.”
    What it means: I think we can both agree that you need to grow up.
  • “Wait till I tell your dad.”
    What it means: If you think I’m angry, just you wait.
  • “Am I talking to a brick wall?”
    What it means: Why don’t you ever listen?

Random mum sayings

Then there are just those times when she comes out with the most random mum sayings which are proper gems:

  • “I want never gets.”
    What it means: Ask more politely next time.
  • “Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.”
    What it means: Stop trying to be a smart-ass.
  • “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
    What it means: I’m not buying you that.
  • “Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer.”
    What it means: I’m not even going to dignify that with an actual response.
  • “Act your age and not your shoe size.”
    What it means: When will you grow up?
  • “If [insert name] jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?”
    What it means: You need to start thinking for yourself.
  • “When you have kids, you’ll understand.”
    What it means: I hope your kids are brats like you.
  • “Were you born in a barn?”
    What it means: Tidy up after yourself!

Funny mum quotes

As to be expected, there are just some downright funny mum quotes that they can come out with in hilarious situations. However, it might be worth trying to stifle any laughter after hearing these to avoid annoying them further:

  • “Who’s she? The cat’s mother?”
    What it means: Excuse me, I have a name.
  • “You treat this house like a hotel. What am I, your maid?”
    What it means: Start tidying up after yourself.
  • “Do as I say not as I do.”
    What it means: It’s different rules when you’re my age.
  • “Have I not told you this before?!”
    What it means: Clearly you don’t listen.
  • “I’m a cool mum. I’m down with the kids.”
    What it means: I’m still young inside.
  • “I’m not a taxi service.”
    What it means: I can’t wait until you can drive yourself around.
  • “Ask your dad.”
    What it means: Please leave me alone and go bother the other parent.
  • “Don’t make that face, if the wind changes it’ll stay like that.”
    What it means: Stop pulling ugly faces.

Now, we hope we’ve managed to include at least some of the sayings that you’ve grown up with. And if you have basically no idea what to do on the day itself, we’ve already got an article on things to do with your mum on Mother’s Day. For more fun reads ranging from gift guides to special occasion articles, you can head right on over to the thortful blog.