“Big girl pants, OP”

[Realhousewive]

Does anyone else find this term incredibly patronising? I’ve seen it used in some ridiculous instances recently - the newly qualified driver not wanting to drive several hours away for a weeks holiday with two young DC after her DH had a drunken night being a prime example!

Yes I’ve also heard things very similar to this

I think people use it as a humorous, not too confrontational way of saying, 'sorry this is what grown up life is like, so bloody well get on with it and stop moaning!'

I said it to myself only this morning over dealing with difficult emails after a week off work.

Note to self, must try not to be patronising and misogynistic to self

Not pants specifically, but I've seen and heard, "You're a big boy now".

I think the OP is being precious, and so are those crying misogyny and patronisation.

Telling someone to "Pull up your big girl knickers/ pants/ panties" Is a turn of phrase implying that someone is behaving in a way unbecoming of a grown adult. It is also implying that women are completely capable of being fully grown adults and acting as such, which is the opposite of misogyny.

This is like when people say "use your words!" is patronising. It's meant to be! It's used when posters are being complete wet lettuces.

When I use it to myself it's because I know I'm being a wet lettuce about something.

I stopped using it when Upton did. But I think there are worse expressions.

It just means "take a deep breath and get on with it, like a grown up". I say it to myself when there's a mound of confusing paperwork, or a difficult multi-lane drive, or having a horrible but needed conversation. I also say it to others who just need that little extra push to remind them that whilst something might be daunting hundreds, if not thousands, of people have already done that same thing already (and survived).

The other option would be "just fucking get on with it you muppet". I prefer the first option for others but have resorted to the second for myself on occasion 😂

Not really. I use it when I'm about to tackle something I'm completely capable of doing but don't want to. I think it's easy to take offense over not much.

Need the laughing emoji again!

Well its politer than "grow the fuck up" or "what the fuck is wrong with you, that you cannot do x y z"

😂

Yes it's awful