There's a children's expression that starts out "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but..." and I'm not sure if it is "words" or "names" that "will never hurt me." Can anyone confirm one or the other, or both, and provide appropriate websites? Thanks.

Flem-ish

Sub S , at http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/proverb you will find "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." If you go to http://www.clichesite.com/content.asp?which=tip+1239 you will find "but words can never hurt me". It's described as "United States" English. Googling, you will find many more examples of both versions. Oct 17 05, 11:57 PM

McGruff

I am finding examples of both, as well. I always thought it was "words" but I've heard it both ways all my life. I was thinking that because it is often introduced to children when someone has called them a name, perhaps "names" is substituted for "words" to make it easier for children to understand. Sticks and stones may break my bones (but words will never hurt me). http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/Sticks+and+stones+may+break+my+bones Oct 18 05, 9:24 AM

sue943

I have always heard it as names so it could be a UK/US difference. Oct 18 05, 9:44 AM

MaggieG 5

And yet I always knew it as 'words' so it isn't a US/UK difference. Just one of those things, I suppose. Oct 18 05, 11:16 AM

JoshCaleb12

Okay... thanks folks... I just wanted to be sure I had it right... I'm working on a sermon that involves this expression. I appreciate your input. Oct 18 05, 7:15 PM