I recently used the title phrase in a FB post. Then I wondered if it's used outside the Uk. Is it? (If not, then I should tell you that it means "absolutely nothing").

I've heard it, but only from British speakers. Not common in the USA.

It's a useful little word in British English

sod - contemptible person
silly sod - a nice person who has made a daft mistake.
sod off - go away
sod it - damn, I give up
sod all - absolutely nothing
sod that for a lark
or
sod that for a game of soldiers - I'm not going to do it
sod's law - aka Murphy's Law
sodding hell - f**king hell
poor sod - a person who has had great misfortune
odds and sods - bits and pieces

Not bad for a word that actually means "a clump of earth and soil".

I've not heard it, except from Bob.

quote:

Not bad for a word that actually means "a clump of earth and soil".

I always thought that sod was an abbreviation of sodomite.

quote:

Originally posted by zmježd:

I always thought that sod was an abbreviation of sodomite.

I guess it depends on what circles one runs in.

quote:

Originally posted by zmježd:

quote:

Not bad for a word that actually means "a clump of earth and soil".

I always thought that sod was an abbreviation of sodomite.

Used as an insult it most likely originated that way but it's such a mild insult that no one would blink an eyelid at it these days. My remark about clumps of earth was meant to be slightly tongue in cheek.

quote:

it's such a mild insult that no one would blink an eyelid at it these days

I have noticed that once strong words and phrases have become milder over time. Something to do with language change, no doubt.

Not quite on topic, but still fun: https://www.merriam-webster.co...musing-insults-vol-1

quote:

Originally posted by zmježd:

quote:

it's such a mild insult that no one would blink an eyelid at it these days

I have noticed that once strong words and phrases have become milder over time. Something to do with language change, no doubt.

There also seems to be a regional aspect to it. Words that are offensive in one part of the English speaking world are less offensive, or completely unknown (well at least unused) in others. And of course it is often context dependent. In the Uk words like "sod" or the slightly more offensive "wanker" can result in either a punch in the face or a warm smile and a handshake depending on who says them to whom and in what tone of voice and what circumstances.

quote:

In the Uk words like "sod" or the slightly more offensive "wanker" can result in either a punch in the face or a warm smile and a handshake depending on who says them to whom and in what tone of voice and what circumstances.

Sometimes all it takes is a peculiar accent.


"It is impossible for an Englishman to open his mouth without making some other Englishman hate or despise him." G B Shaw.

There is this "poor old sod" from the cartoon SpongeBob.

Now that I think of it, I have heard it.