Suck Grapes

Posted by Kate on April 27, 2001

In Reply to: Suck Grapes posted by ESC on April 27, 2001

: : Where did the term 'suck grapes' 'suck sour grapes' come from? How was it used? Thanks to all. Kate

: I've never heard "suck grapes." (I have heard "sucked on a pickle" or "weaned on a pickle" referring to people of sour disposition.) The term "sour grapes" is from an Aesop's fable.

: Things despised because they are beyond our reach. Many men of low degree call titles and dignities "sour grapes;" and men of no parts turn up their noses at literary honours. The phrase is from Æsop's fable called The Fox and the Grapes. www.bartleby.com/ 81/15694.html

: The Fox and the Grapes A FAMISHED FOX saw some clusters of ripe black grapes hanging from a trellised vine. She resorted to all her tricks to get at them, but wearied herself in vain, for she could not reach them. At last she turned away, hiding her disappointment and saying: "The grapes are sour, and not ripe as I thought." www.pacificnet.net/~johnr/aesop/

I was reading an advertising publication and the writer of the article was outraged at the apparent lack of ethics of a business partner. In closing, he said, "I am without due course but to simply add, suck grapes." I have since heard the term, "suck sour grapes." Recently I was told it was an attempt at insult much like "take a flying leap" etc. However, when you refer to men of low degree being referred to as sour grapes, the above reference in the magazine makes sense. Thanks.