Topsy" I just growed

Posted by ESC on March 08, 2004

In Reply to: Grow like topsy posted by David Scott on March 08, 2004

: Does anyone know the origins of this phrase?

It is from a quote by Topsy in "Uncle Tom's cabin, or Life among the lowly" by Harriet Beecher Stowe. SparkNotes.com describes the character: Topsy - A wild and uncivilized slave girl whom Miss Ophelia tries to reform, Topsy gradually learns to love and respect others by following the example of Eva.

I googled and found this regarding the quote but I can't guarantee that's exactly what she said:

"I s'pect I just growed. Don't think nobody never made me."