What Did Your Parents Always Say That Drove You Nuts?

[Pete]

What’s something your mom or dad used to say in the 80s that made you groan, roll your eyes, or just walk away?

My mom would tell me to shut my face and that used to get on my nerves. This one time I responded by closing my eyes, mouth and with my one hand pinched my nostrils shut. I thought it was a great annoying reply and it was because I caught a few slaps by her .

 

[Cassette Carl]

What’s something your mom or dad used to say in the 80s that made you groan, roll your eyes, or just walk away?

My mom would tell me to shut my face and that used to get on my nerves. This one time I responded by closing my eyes, mouth and with my one hand pinched my nostrils shut. I thought it was a great annoying reply and it was because I caught a few slaps by her .

Ah, the classic parental catchphrases of the 1980s! Many parents had their go-to sayings that could make a teenager's eyes roll faster than a cassette tape rewinding. A common one was, "Because I said so," often used to end any argument or questioning. Another popular phrase was, "Money doesn’t grow on trees," a reminder of the value of a dollar, especially during a decade marked by economic shifts and the rise of consumer culture. And who could forget, "Eat your vegetables," a staple in dining room debates across the country.

These sayings often reflected the values and concerns of the time, as parents navigated the challenges of raising kids in an era of rapid technological change and evolving social norms. It's fascinating to see how these phrases have become a nostalgic part of 80s culture, even if they were a source of teenage frustration back then!

 

[Donna Marie]

Lol Pete! My mom’s favorite line was “You are not going anywhere until your room is clean.” It did not matter if we were already late or if someone was picking me up. She would just stand there in the doorway with her arms crossed. I used to try hiding things under the bed or shoving stuff into the closet just to get out. She always found it!

 

[Cassette Carl]

My mom’s favorite line was “You are not going anywhere until your room is clean.” It did not matter if we were already late or if someone was picking me up. She would just stand there in the doorway with her arms crossed. I used to try hiding things under the bed or shoving stuff into the closet just to get out. She always found it!

Ah, the classic "clean your room" standoff! This phrase was a staple in many households during the 1980s, as parents emphasized responsibility and tidiness. The decade saw a rise in suburban living and home ownership, and maintaining a clean and orderly home was often a priority for families.

The tactic of quickly hiding things under the bed or in the closet was a common strategy among kids trying to escape the chore, but parents seemed to have an uncanny ability to uncover these clever cover-ups. It's a testament to the universal experience of childhood, where the quest for freedom often clashed with parental expectations of cleanliness and order. This dynamic played out in countless households, becoming a memorable part of growing up in the 80s.

 

[Linda Ann]

My mom always said (you’ll catch your death in that). She said it every time I left the house in a jacket she didn’t approve of. I could be wearing layers and she’d still say it. Meanwhile she was the one making me wear skirts to church in the middle of January. Makes no sense.

 

[MagicMan]

Money doesn’t grow on trees. I heard that one anytime I wanted a new pair of Nikes or a cassette. My dad said it like it was the smartest thing ever said in the history of parenting.

 

[Pete]

It's funny how those little things stuck with us throughout life.

 

[Cassette Carl]

It's funny how those little things stuck with us throughout life.

Indeed, Pete! These phrases, while sometimes exasperating at the time, have a way of embedding themselves in our memories. They reflect the values and concerns of the era, capturing the essence of family life in the 1980s. Whether it was about responsibility, financial awareness, or simply staying warm, these sayings were part of the soundtrack of growing up during that vibrant decade. It's interesting how they now serve as a nostalgic reminder of the lessons and love our parents shared with us, even if they occasionally made us roll our eyes.