Threesology Research Journal
Language Threes
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3-patterned slogans, sayings and expressions

  • A-O-K (3-lettered reference designating someone is doing alright).
  • Break a leg (connected with a good luck sentiment in show business).
  • Almost as if...
  • It's as if...
  • Do you mean?...

  • F.Y.I (abbreviation used by some businesses to denote auxiliary information that some employees may find useful. It is sometimes included in internally distributed literature specifically for employees.)

  • Way to go! (used as a compliment or disparagement- which can, in either case, become a 3 to 1 ratio by including someone's name or ridiculing label such as: Way to go, idiot! Way to go, Asshole! Way to go, Nuthead! Way to go Nimcompoop! Way to go Exlax!)

  • It's been real, it's been fun, but it hasn't been real fun.
  • Dirty, Mean, and Nasty (vehicle bumper sticker).
  • I Lost It (vehicle bumper sticker popular in the 1980's U.S., with multiple interpretations).
  • (someplace) or bust (if and when viewed, is commonly seen on the back end of a motor vehicle.) Example: "Alaska or Bust"
  • All I can- When I can- If I can.
  • Barefoot- Pregnant- [and] Illiterate (colloquial reference to what some men want out of a woman).
  • Good luck ...(insert someone's name).
  • The Game's Afoot! (Phrase expressed by the Character Sherlock Holmes in television and motion picture productions).
  • Lazy, Good for nothing - Bum (sometimes beginning with: You're a...)
  • Down the hatch (typically, a reference to the complete consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a glass.)
  • That's Just Great! (Double meaning: either a compliment or condemnation.)
  • I get ya (or I getcha')- colloquialism for "I understand".
  • Tie One On (colloquial reference to getting drunk; I once worked with three Vietnamese whose names were Tie, One, and On... no, I'm not kidding.)
  • Kill the ...(insert a team's name)... often heard in high school cheers at sporting events. For example: "Kill the Tigers"
  • Why be normal? (vehicle bumper sticker slogan found in the U.S.)
  • Sir, Yes Sir! (U.S. military)

  • Wine me - Dine me - 69 me (colloquial phrase of 1970s and 1980s U.S. typically found on bumper stickers and other cultural memorabilia such as hats and t-shirts. It is sometimes interpreted as referring to a desired short-lived sexual encounter commonly called a one-night-stand.)

  • Prince of Peace... (common misperception of Jesus since in the gospel of Matthew he says he came not to bring peace but division.)
  • Able- George- Baker (Radio check jargon heard while watching an old U.S. Science fiction movie, 1955: "It Came From Beneath The Sea".)
  • By Jiminy- Jingo- Gee
  • AND??? (used as a prompt for someone to continue making some conversational point.)
  • Do you copy? (Two-way radio jargon in reference to whether or not someone is or has received a message.)
  • No Nazis... No KKK... No Fascist USA (Chanted slogan of Anti-American Nazis in the USA.)
  • On The Air (Sign used by radio and television stations as portrayed in movies.)
  • Please Stand By (Used by Television stations when there is an interruption in transmission service.)
  • Over And Out (Two-way radio jargon in reference to the end of a message and the end of transmission.)
  • Do you copy? (Two-way radio jargon in reference to whether or not someone is receiving a message.)
  • You copy that? (Two-way radio jargon in reference to whether or not someone is receiving a message.)
  • Patch (him/her/them/it) through. (Typically refers to a radio communication that is to be directed towards a particular person in a particular place.)

  • Butter-Bar Lieutenant (Disparaging 3-patterned remark about a second Lieutenant in the U.S. armed forces who receives yellowish colored insignia bars of rank after graduating from an officer's training course.)

  • Think you bad? (colloquial reference to a question concerning whether or not someone thinks themselves to be tough, suave, smart, etc...)
  • 3-lettered word used as a common expression of delight and astonishment: WOW
  • Ninety- days wonder (refers to U.S. military training of officers in ninety days).

  • Hang a left (or) Hang a right (colloquial remarks given by a passenger to a driver for directions while driving in a vehicle.) They are generally unrecognized as expressions of violence like "step on it" and "punch it," which refer to aggressive forms of acceleration.

  • A Mystery wrapped in a Riddle inside an Enigma. (Far too many people think this silly phrase is the earmark of an intelligent expression).
  • Thar (there) she blows! (connected with sailing)
  • You're killing me (connected with inflicted pain or laughter).
  • Ride em' Cowboy!
  • Is anybody here? (3 to 1 ratio version: Hello! Is anybody here?).
  • Is anybody home? (3 to 1 ratio version: Hello! Is anybody home?).

  • That's a keeper or She's a keeper, or It's a keeper (colloquialism typically referring to the keeping of a desirable fish that's been caught, but is also sometimes used in a playful way to describe a person with respect to a desired long term relationship).

  • Let's make sure it's Square - Plumb - Level.
  • This, That, and the Other.
  • Dedicated to serve (typically seen on U.S. police cars).
  • Shish, Boom, Bah (reference to Highschool/ Jr. Highschool cheerleaders with pom poms).
  • Don't Get Mad... Just get even (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Yes it is!... No it's not! (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases).
  • No you're not!... Yes I Am! (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases).
  • No you can't!... Yes I can! (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases).
  • I am not!... You are too/so (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases).
  • That was then... This is now (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Don't call us... We'll call you (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases).

  • Can't get along... Get it on! (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases that refer to an adolescent perspective of a conflicting social encounter that requires a fist-fight.)

  • Dress To Impress
  • Don't need it? Leave it here. (two 3-part phrases seen on a books-to-be-shelved cart seen at a county library.)
  • No Cruising Zone/Traffic Congested Area (street sign)

  • 3 X 2 arrangement of postal code used by Canada: X3X or 3X3. In other words, a letter is followed by a number that is followed by a letter (or a number is followed by a letter that is followed by a number).

  • Head em' up... Move em' out (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases that refer to a cattle drive but is applied in other instances in which a large quantity is directed for movement.)

  • No I can't, No I couldn't, I just couldn't (one or all of these variations is sometimes followed with: Yes you can).
  • You think so?... I know so! (two frequently conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Oh shut up!... For heaven's sake (two three-part phrases sometimes conjoined).
  • How you (ya) doing?... Not so bad {not so good} (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Are you OK?... I am now. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Enough is Enough is Enough.
  • Pass the Joint (Marijuana cigarette)
  • ...Second Story Man (old colloquialism referring to a burglar)
  • Do Si Do (pronounced: Doe See Doe)- heard in square-dancing.
  • No Further Questions (often heard while watching television courtroom dramas.)
  • One on One (frequently heard when two individuals compete in an individual basketball match.)
  • Pow- Pow- Pow (Vocal expression used by children when imitating the sound of someone being shot at with a pistol.)
  • As a child I would say "Quit it Out" instead of "Cut it Out."
  • No Freakin' Way! (Colloquial "civil" way of expressing the vulgar: No Fucking Way!).
  • One false move... {and you're dead} (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • You're outta' line (usually spoken of a forthright subordinate when speaking to a superior in the military).
  • Tim-Buk-to (old colloquial spelling of Tombouctou, Mali).
  • Course it does (abbreviated form of the phrase: "Of course it does").
  • Well thanks a lot... You're welcome a lot (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • If I may?... You may not! (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • For Heaven's Sake! (or the 3 to 1 version: Oh! for heaven's sake[s]).
  • How ya (you) doin' (doing)? (or the 3 to 1 version: Hey, How ya doin'?).
  • The Few- The Proud- The Marines (U.S. Marine Corp slogan).


  • Win- Lose- Draw (contest ending categories)
  • Win- Place- Show (Horse race betting)
  • Gold- Silver- Bronze (Olympic medals)
  • Small- Medium- Large (sizes: clothing, soft drinks, etc.,)
  • X large- XX large- XXX large (Typically, clothing sizes)
  • Manager- Assistant Manager- Third Man (retail store management positions)
  • PhD- Masters- Bachelors (University Degrees)
  • Normal- Abnormal- Malignant (biological cells)
  • Morning- Noon- Night

  • Handle with care (or the 3 to 1 version: Fragile, Handle with care).
  • No Retreat- No Surrender- No Hostages
  • Any last words?/ Any last request? (associated with an execution).
  • And So On... And So Forth (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Better than some... Worse than others (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • I was worried- Sick to death (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • You name it... You got it (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Love- Honor- Obey (Weddings).
  • Don't play me (refers to someone telling another not to use trickery to manipulate them.)
  • Act you age... Not your I.Q. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • I love you... Love you (ya) too (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Mother May I? Yes You May (two conjoined three-part phrases heard in a child's game called "Mother May I".
  • Between You- Me- And the fence post (colloquial reference to something that is to be held in secrecy).
  • APB (abbreviation for "All Points Bulletin" heard on movies involving police officers attempts to locate one or more others).
  • DOA (Dead On Arrival)
  • Buckle or Busted (Advertisement by police authorities related to the non-voted on law enforcing that everyone must wear a seat belt or get a ticket.) A later alternative advertisement is: "Click it or Ticket"... which also indicates a move towards using a rhyme.

  • So, where's (someone's name)?
  • Never, Never, Never, give up (Winston Churchill).
  • PWP (Pregnant Without Permission- 1940's England)
  • Three little words: I Love You
  • Three little letters: I Do (marriage)
  • A one (Latin word) defined as a three (word) phrase: Placebo... I Shall Please
  • Go thata way (or the 3 to 1 version (1 to 3): Go that-a-way).
  • How are your?... Fine, Thank you. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • You win some... You lose some (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Always has been... Always will be (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Death is certain... Life is not (two conjoined three-part phrases seen as a tattoo).
  • Mi Vida Loco (Spanish for: My Crazy Life; often displayed as three dots arranged in a triangle and used as a tattoo).
  • Here: Kitty- Kitty- Kitty... (this can be viewed as a 3 to 1 ratio).
  • Halt! Who goes there? (this can be viewed as a 3 to 1 ratio).
  • Come here dog!
  • Enough is Enough (or: Enough is Enough is Enough)
  • Shoot the works (WWII pidgeon English for "Go For Broke") used as a motto by the 442nd Japanese American military regiment). It also has a sexual connotation referring to ejaculation of all sperm.

  • S- G- 1 (or S- G- "one"): 3-part designation of military/exploration team on the movie and television series StarGate SG-1.
  • Three version: Look who's here; 3 to 1 version: Well, Look who's here.
  • Stack em' Pack em' and Rack em'
  • 3 "T" 's: Today, Tonight, Tomorrow.
  • No taking cuts! (Expression used by some U.S. school children in some parts of the country to indicate to another student that they can't jump into a line of people already formed and must go to the end. It may also alternatively be expressed either as: "No cuts!, No taking dishes!, or No dishes!").

  • Here's to you... (usually associated with a reference to a "toast" [compliment] involving the sip of an alcoholic beverage).

  • Tie One On (colloquialism referring to the act of getting drunk.) [I once worked with three Vietnamese individuals who had names similar to this phrase. The association was pointed out to me by another co-worker.]

  • Shoot your wad (a late 20th century euphemism referring to ejaculation).
  • Head for home (or can be viewed as a 3 to 1 ratio: Let's head for home).
  • "Hold until Relieved" (heard while watching an old war movie).
  • What's your 20? (Sometimes heard being used by a police officer asking another officer what their location is.)
  • Follow my leader (British variation of the child's game 'Follow the Leader').
  • Be A Leader... Not A Follower (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Maybe it is... Maybe it ain't (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • You hear me? I hear you. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Maybe you can... Maybe you can't (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Maybe you will... Maybe you won't (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Maybe I can... Maybe I can't (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Maybe I do... Maybe I don't (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Maybe I will... Maybe I won't (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Maybe they will... Maybe they won't (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Maybe they can... Maybe they can't (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Paper or Plastic? (refers to a customer being asked whether they want their groceries in a paper or plastic bag.
  • Oh I can... And I will (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Is it raining?... Yes, it's raining. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Have your kate... and edith too (two conjoined three-part phrases derived from the expression "Have your cake and eat it too").

  • Let them sleep, They'll eat later (two conjoined three-part phrases heard on a television program).
  • We/You/They/I blew it (Meaning: to have messed something up or missed something, and has nothing to do with exhalation or explosion.)
  • Break a leg: Superstition used as a good luck gesture by actors/actresses. It is one of those reversal types of bidding another well by saying the opposite, because it is thought that by saying any representative phrase involving "good," something bad will occur.

  • I had forgotten... Now I remember (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • All right now, go to sleep (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Made you look... You dirty crook (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Tell me something- I don't know (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Out of sight- Out of mind (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • That was then, This is now (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Sometimes you win- Sometimes you lose (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • You win some- You lose some. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Ready or not... Here I come. (two conjoined three-part phrases that refer to the children's game of Hide-n-seek).
  • Here to- day, Gone to- morrow (Emphasis of expression can view these as two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • What's your sign? (refers to Zodiac sign).
  • The "M" word. (Marriage)
  • Power of Pride (slogan seen on a vehicle window sticker that also displays the U.S. flag.)
  • The Windy City. (refers to Chicago, Illinois in the U.S.A.)
  • The BIG decision. (Often used to describe the action of a commanding officer when directing one or more subordinates to conduct a mission or act that will prove fatal for them but is seen as vital for the preservation of the group.)

  • Lead, Follow, get out of the Way (sometimes phrased as: Lead, Follow, or get the Hell out of the/my Way).
  • Duty Honor Country (Westpoint military academy).
  • What's your poison? (refers to asking what alcoholic beverage someone would like.)
  • 3 words regarding utmost sincerity: Swear- Promise- Pledge
  • Stimulant- Anodyne- Depressant
  • By the book.. (to perform some action by means of a Standardized Operating Procedure.)
  • Red Light District (refers to an area that whores/prostitutes/sluts may be found.)
  • What's your Name? - What's your (phone) number? - What's your address?
  • The final solution (Typically refers to Nazi Germany's extinction of Jews.)
  • And then what?... And then nothing. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Yes you have... No I haven't. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Yes you will... No I won't. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Come on in... The water's fine. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Here you are... Here I am. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • *** "Crush the Ch'ing, establish the Ming". (two conjoined three-part phrases- ancient chinese).
  • He/She/They started it... I'll/We'll finish it. (variations of two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Anything can happen, Anything at all. (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • First to go, Last to Know (Special ops soldiers)
  • First to arrive, last to leave (two conjoined three-part phrases).
  • Power of Pride (vehicle bumper sticker displaying these words along with an American flag.)
  • Who-done-it? (Characteristic phrase used to describe a mystery story.)
  • Catching some Z's (Getting some sleep)
  • Catching some Rays (Getting a suntan/ some sunshine)
  • Welcome Home ...(someone's name).
  • Well, that's me. (Sometimes used to refer to a departure via public transport that is announced in a bus/train/plain terminal. For example, someone in a plane terminal may here that their flight is boarding, whereby they say to themselves or another: Well, that's me... Such an expression may also be followed with: I gotta' go.)

  • Smash and Grab (expression heard on various television crime shows that refers to a particular type of criminal act. The item(s) stolen are typically accessible to the public behind an enclosure (frequently made of glass) that is smashed and the contents quickly grabbed for a quick getaway.

  • Do The Math (colloquial expression referring to the need for someone to access a circumstance in a logical way.)
  • So Long (someone's name)
  • What's your Twenty (20)? (The numerical reference is a code typically used by law enforcement when inquiring about location.)
  • You lost me (typically refers to someone expression their misunderstanding of another's explanation, report, directions, etc...)
  • Put them/her/him through (typically refers to a telephone connection.)
  • 3 commonly expressed "Holy" references: Holy Smokes! Holy Cow! Holy Moley!
  • Rack 'em up! (Refers to the placement of pool table balls aligned in a triangular setting by being placed in a wooden [or sometimes plastic] form.)
  • Just Say No! (Three-patterned phrase proposed by Nancy Regan as a method to get kids not to take drugs.)
  • God I'm good (egotistical expression about some personalized recognition related to an act, activity, attribute.)
  • Here's the kicker. (Three-part sports (football) expression that has taken on a general reference to highlight a specific/specialized part. The kicker in football is one who may provide a winning point.)

  • Whata you got? (derivative of: what do you got?
  • Cooking the Books (generally refers to an intentional alteration of facts)
  • Way to go! (can be used to praise or disparage someone's act, activity, attitude.)
  • 3-patterned (1- 2- 3) of the typical "21" age of recognized legality: 2 minus 1 = 1, 2 divided by 1 = 1, 2 times 1 = 2, 2 plus 1 = 3.

  • On the lam (refers to an escaped criminal in hiding).
  • Something wrong ...(someone's name)? [Such as: Something wrong Johnny?]

Note: the foregoing examples of "two conjoined three-part phrases" gives the impression of the reduplication which takes place in infant babbling. In other words, for longer expressions, there is simply a repeat of an earlier expression such as Ba- Ba- Ba, Da- Da- Da, Na- Na- Na, etc...


3 "unsolved" phrase-linked circumstances:


  1. An unsolved Mystery
  2. An unsolved Crime
  3. An unsolved Problem

  1. You better not shout-
  2. You better not cry-
  3. You better not pout- ...I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town.

(The shout- cry- pout/ why could be viewed as a 3 to 1 ratio.)


Toys - for - Tots {A year-end Salvation Army drive to supply toys for kids whose parents do not have the income to purchase expensive toys. I have not yet ran across anything portraying the actions of toy companies providing free toys during Christmas, or any other time of the year for that matter.} (I have also wondered why the slogan is never "Clothes for Tots," "Food for Tots," "Medicine/Medical care for Tots," etc.?)


I've got shotgun! ("Shotgun" refers to the front seat of a vehicle next to the driver. It is an expression used by some teenagers that is a reference to the Old West seating position of a person sitting with a shotgun next to a stage coach driver. Note: Some historians believe it was the shotgun which tamed the Wild West and not the six-shooter.)


If Ducktape, a Bandaid, and Asprin can't fix it- YOU'VE GOT A BIG PROBLEM


3 recurring (animal-associated) requests to discontinue some behavior:


  1. Stop monkeying about/around!
  2. Stop horsing about/around!
  3. Stop acting like a jackass and get busy! (get to work!)

3 recurring (non-animal-associated) requests to discontinue some behavior:


  1. Stop fooling about/around!
  2. Stop clowning around!
  3. Stop messing about!

3 "egg" references:


  1. Egg head (someone who is smart)
  2. Nest egg (resources for a later time such as retirement or a rainy day)
  3. Egg on one's face (immaturity or unpreparedness or guilt)

3 "I Do" references:


  1. The "I Do" of a wedding ceremony.
  2. The "I Do" of a court room (Do you swear to tell the truth- The whole truth- and nothing but the truth so help you God?)
  3. The common place occurrence of "I do" for most informal responses, retorts, or remarks.

3 alternative uses of "hit" in reference to going to sleep:


  • Hit the hay.
  • Hit the sack.
  • Hit the bed.

  • Do- Si (Se)- Do (Expression made in square dancing)
  • front and back
  • front to back
  • here and there (here, there, everywhere)
  • side to side (from this side; to that side)
  • top and bottom
  • up and down
  • eye to eye (vis a vis)
  • belly to belly
  • back to back
  • toe to toe
  • nose to nose
  • heel to toe (used in a military lineup to subjugate new recruits towards relinquishing personal ["I" "Me" "Mine"] space, and become an unthinking automaton to do whatever is ordered of them, no matter how stupid, frivolous, or murderous.)

  • arm in arm
  • face to face
  • arm over arm
  • arm under arm?
  • arm in arm
  • hand in hand
  • head in hand
  • head to head
  • shoulder to shoulder
  • cheek to cheek
  • neck and neck (refers to a race in which two or more contestants are tied)
  • tooth and nail
  • hand over fist
  • hand over hand
  • head over heels
  • (always under foot)
  • falling in love (phrase usually accompanied with other words in a longer sentence.)
  • over one's head (typically refers to a subject too complex for someone to readily understand)
  • beyond one's reach (grasp)
  • Close/open your eyes
  • Close/open your nose
  • Close/open your hand(s)
  • Close/open your mouth
  • Close/open your ears (the singular is not customarily heard)
  • Close/open your legs (the singular is not customarily heard)
  • Close/open you coat/jacket
  • I'm waisting my Time- Money- Energy
  • Bow your head
  • Bend your knees
  • Bend you elbow
  • My neck hurts
  • My back hurts
  • My stomach hurts
  • Shake a leg: ["Shake a leg" and "Cut a rug" are two three-patterned phrases referring to dancing, though "shake a leg" can be applied to numerous occasions involving activity (to get someone moving, instead of remaining still.)

  • Brush, Floss, Gargle (dental care)
  • Brush your jacket
  • Brush your teeth
  • Brush your hair
  • Clean your clothes
  • Clean your hands
  • Comb your hair (I have not heard anyone say comb your teeth or comb your gums)
  • Dry your feet
  • Dry your hair
  • Dry your hands
  • Wash your clothes
  • Wash your face
  • Wash your feet
  • Wash your hair
  • Wash your hands

Three "dream" references:


  1. Pipe dream (Typically imaginative but not very plausible at to achieving in any real sense. More generally associated with a wishful notion.)

  2. Wet dream (Typically refers to a male orgasm/ejaculation at night that does not necessarily indicate a sexually oriented dream.)

  3. Bad dream (Typically used as a label by a parent when speaking to a child who was aroused from slumber due to some disturbance, though the disturbance can be related to illness, poor nutrition, watching an impressionable circumstance or experiencing a condition that creates a form of short/long lasting emotional/mental instability from their normal routine.


  • The Windy City: Prase referring to Chicago, Illinois (U.S.)
  • The Big Apple: Phrase referring to New York City (U.S.)
  • The Big Easy: Phrase referring to New Orleans (U.S.)
  • Catch and Release (refers to sport fishing as opposed to fishing for food)
  • We're in business: The "business" may refer to any action or activity and not necessarily mean a specific vocation like a shoe business, or office work, etc...

  • Three 3-part wedding expressions: Repeat after me (Minister)... With This Ring (Groom)... I Thee Wed (Groom) [A double ring ceremony may include the Bride saying the same.]

  • hand-me-downs
  • kicked the bucket (colloquialism referring to someone having died)
  • dead on arrival (typically abbreviated as DOA in a medical/police circumstance)

1-2-3 word phrase groupings between two people:


You know what? (3 words)
What? (1 word)
That's What. (2 words)

3 "attention" words found on some machinery: Danger- Caution- Warning


3-patterned Jesus prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me."


A few longer 3 patterned expressions:


  • 1st the worst- 2nd the same- Last the best of all the game.
  • Past the lips- Through the gums- Look out stomach cause here it comes.
  • A minute in your mouth- An hour in your stomach- A lifetime on your hips.
  • Those who can, do- Those who can't, teach- Those who can't teach, teach teachers.
  • Preserve- Protect- Defend (U.S. Presidential Oath)
  • I've got Places to go- Things to do- People to see.

3 phrases commonly encountered in contexts involving discussions of writing and was commonly found in "business products" stores on (the now obsolete) typewriting machines used as display models that the public could try out before purchasing:


  • All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
  • Let all good men come to the aid of their country.
  • The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

3 colloquial prison references: Up the river~ In the big house~ In the slammer


3 colloquial cigarette references: Cancer sticks~ Coffin nails~ Suckin' a faggot


3-rhymed playful greeting: How- Now- Brown Cow


3 things can happen: Things can get better~ Stay the same~ Get worse


3 general references used when the correct label is at the tip of one's tongue, at the threshold of memory, or at the edge of thought:


  • Whatchamacallit
  • Doohicky
  • Thingamajig (or thingamabob).

3 metaphors relating undesirable circumstances:


  1. There's a fly in the ointment
  2. A can of worms has been opened
  3. Something smells fishy/ Something's smells rotten (in Denmark)

"There are three different kinds of brains, the one understands things unassisted, the other understands things when shown by others, and the third understands neither alone nor with the explanations of others. The first kind is most excellent, the second kind also excellent, but the third useless."


...Machiavelli, Niccolo, THE PRINCE, Of the Secretaries of Princes

--- Quotations on Brain Laterality ---
http://www.futurehealth.org/qbrain_laterality.htm

Three "related" quotes seen on a T-shirt:


  1. Plato (ancient Greek Philosopher)- "To be is to do"
  2. Aristotle (ancient Greek Philosopher who was a student of Plato)- "To do is to be"
  3. Frank Sinatra (20th Century singer/entertainer)- "do be do be do." (This is spoken in a rapid manner, as in the vocalization of a song.)

It is always those with a below average I.Q. to call those with an above average I.Q. some name meant to be disparaging like "Geek," "Nerd," "Freak," etc., yet it is only those with an I.Q. above those with an above average I.Q. to humbly acknowledge all three circumstances outlined in this observation and smile to themselves...H.O.B., 10-13-02




Shakespeare said Julius Ceasar's last words were: "Et tu Brute." But they were "Kai su teknon," which is Greek for "You too, my child." page 77, The Book of Assassins, by George Fetherling, © 2001, ISBN-13:978-0-7858-2181-6, ISBN-10: 0-7858-2181-3.


The "Czar" of Russia came from "C-zar" (Ceasar), and quite possibly influenced the "Kaiser" (title of the Holy Roman Emperors or the emperors of Austria or of Germany until 1918.)




I was watching an old Tarzan movie entitled something to the effect of "Tarzan gets a Son." Here are a few 3-patterned phrases from the movie:


  • Tarzan eat first
  • Chetah stop it
  • Isn't he adorable
  • Him no choke
  • Take Boy home
  • Come Boy, swim
  • I believe so
  • Jane sleep now
  • Tarzan get guns
  • Jane not go
  • Jane not die

While watching an old western titled "Oregon Trail Scouts" featuring Allan Lane as a character with the name of Red Ryder and his soon to be young Indian boy sidekick Little Beaver played by Bobby Blake; the Indians used various three-patterned expressions. One must ask whether early Native Americans actually used three-patterned expressions to speak in English.


  • Me no like
  • He good friend
  • Me go now
  • Me no see
  • Me big help
  • etc...

Expression I have heard by some middle aged and older men: First couple of three days. (1st two of 3 days)




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Herb O. Buckland
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