I'll Bet You Say That to ALL the Girls!

You know who helped make that line famous?

Gracie Allen. Comedienne, star, activist, entrepreneur, daughter, wife, mother... just some of the 'titles' that come to mind when you think of Gracie Allen, an early trailblazer for women in radio and television. One-half of one of the most prominent comedy teams in American history, Gracie still services as a role model for today's women in media and entertainment.

I'll bet you say that to all the girls!Gracie's typical reply to an insult she has mistaken for a compliment. Most often used in their vaudeville routines, early movie shorts, films and radio shows.

She's on my mind because Lara and I helped Judge The Gracie Allen Awards for American Women in Radio and T.V. this past weekend.

And although most entries and winners are for some reason more serious and 'women's issues' -- I think that humor has a way of cutting through the clutter of communication and hitting the soul deeper than perhaps any other way. It is also the best 'coping mechanism' I know of!!

So anyway......I remember distinctly being told some pretty 'dreamy' things by my first boyfriends. And you know what ran through my mind? Yup, "I'll bet you say that to all the girls."

And for the most part, for at least men in their 20's -- they DO say 'that' to all the girls. You can either look at that as sad, or you can laugh - and say "I'll bet you say that to all the girls" out loud. And then believe the compliment, or sentiment for yourself.

Cheers!
Heidi

Comments

I use that line but not to a compliment. For example, last year we put a new roof on our house. When I called the roofer to tell him our color selection, he said "great color, that's the same one we put on our house". I of course didn't believe him so I said "I bet you say that to all the girls" which of course got a big laugh.

Love It, Flowergirl - THAT'S the spirit of the line!!