Say boo to a goose

Posted by Gary Martin April 28, 2011 at 11:17In reply to Say boo to a goose posted by barbara on April 28, 2011 at 11:05:

We have a discussion raging about the correct phrase. My version (American) ...say boo to a goose...
Suggested local (English) version ... say boo to a ghost...

I see the logic in the UK version, but that's just not how we say it. Where does this come from?

'Say boo to a goose' is an English phrase which the OED records from the 17th century onward. The 'say boo to a ghost' version is just a misstating (either deliberate or accidental) of the original.

Replies

Say boo to a goose Victoria S Dennis 29/April/11 (2)
- Say boo to a goose David FG 02/May/11 (1)
  - Say boo to a goose Victoria S Dennis 02/May/11 (0)