sticks and stones

A saying that derives from the children's rhyme "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me".

It's used as a reply to an insult, indicating that the insult has been registered as such, but did not have any effect.

Jack: Miss Swann , if you’d be so kind. Come, come, dear. We don’t have all day. Now if you’d be very kind. (she straps on his sword, puts on his hat, etc.) Easy on the goods, darling.
Elizabeth: You’re despicable.
Jack: Sticks and stones, love. I saved your life, you save mine, we’re square.

476👍 71👎