Big boys don't cry

Posted by Rob on April 24, 2005

In Reply to: Big boys don't cry posted by Samantha on April 16, 2005

: What is the derivation of the phrase "Big boys don't cry."? Where and when did it start?

Although it is the title of a 1993 TV movie, I don't think you'll find a specific origin. It is just what parents traditionally say to boys, reflecting the stereotypical male gender-role, to screw them up,

It's also the title of a song by Extreme:

"Whoever said that big boys don't cry / You say you never shed a tear / Well, listen that's a lie / We're all defenseless / When it comes to pain"