Mumsnet users discuss phrases that teachers always say

[EllieMumsnet]

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With National Teacher Day coming up on the 8th May MNHQ would love to know the phrases you remember your teachers always saying….also if you are currently a teacher please share the phrases you most commonly use during your classes.

Do you have strong memory of one of your teachers always using the ‘I’m not angry just disappointed’ line? Perhaps whenever your teacher was annoyed at someone they would say ‘It’s your own time your wasting’? Or maybe as a teacher you’re becoming known for saying one phrase in particular?

Whatever phrases you remember your teachers always saying, comment on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

My science teacher would always end an explanation with ‘and so on and so forth’

Another teacher in would ask if we’re suffering from ‘verbal diarrohea ‘

We had a maths teacher who, if you asked him to explain something, would simply bellow "USE THE FORMULA!". He used to throw the blackboard rubber at students, among other antics. Rumour had it he was an alcoholic. This was in the 70s and 80s.

Mum takes my brother into reception class and tells the teacher ' he's a bit grumpy because he didn't want to come to school today'. His teacher replies 'I know how he feels!'

My teacher said to me 'meat is hung, people are hanged' errrr okay and I need to know this aged 7 because.... gotta love the 80s

You'd forget your head if it wasn't attached to your body whenever I forgot a pencil. Or if you lose this book it will be 50p to replace it (the legit just took the money off us and put it in their own pocket)

meat is hung, people are hanged
Perhaps your teacher was explaining the game of hangman (another classroom staple, especially during "wet play")? Mind you I do remember learning about the guillotine at the age of 8.

I remember ‘you waste my time I’ll waste yours’

When caught talking ' are you taking the lesson or am i?'
Most used one 'Its your education you are wasting.'

One teacher said I needed "to learn to not be affected by the vagaries of her mood". Yeah...I'm still working on that one!

If you don't learn you won't get a job.

'What happens in the playground, stays in the playground' was said when I was at school many years ago and I still hear it said now. Another used a lot by mostly the younger teachers I work with is 'We are on this journey together' - referring to GCSE courses and exams.

"Hurry up or you'll get burnt!" or "Class three nearly got burnt."
These were often said during fire drills.

"Mix with hog hair, paint with squirrel hair." Types of paint brushes.

"My name is not 'miss', or 'teacher'".

"If you want to talk go out!" Often said in primary school assembly, but this was unmistakably a punishment, as the head's office was just outside.

"That's my Lego, don't you dare take away my Lego, or hide my Lego where I can't find it again!" Before explaining that it was the school's Lego, and that we mustn't take away school property. The school Lego in the 1980's a big box of basic colours: not a single green brick to be seen, never mind the exotic colours there are now.

wandering 'At first I refused to look at her, so she put a finger under my chin and tilted my head towards her.' I'd never dream of going this far with it- its normal used from a distance.

'Looks like you've all left your brains at home today'

'If you've got something interesting to say, you may like to come to the front and share it with the rest of the class'

'Remember it will all go towards your Record of Achievement' Have I ever used my Record of Achievement since leaving school? No!!

When I'm speaking I expect you to listen. The big clue is my lips are moving.

The bell is for me not for you

Oh wow yes Record of Achievement! I still have mind in the cupboard waiting for the day someone will be impressed by it

I had a terrible time at school, especially secondary school. I constantly got told people like me and people who went to schools like this don't achieve or go onto university. I am now, as a mature student graduating this year, hopefully, with a 2:1 and going on to work in GIS computer based role. If my children were ever told the things I was told as a child and teenager, I'd throw everything I could at the school to make changes. Children should be told they can become doctors, dentists, vets, nurses and any other dream they want to achieve. Dreams should not be stamped upon. For me, as an adult, it's actually made me push myself harder and further.

When caught chatting:
'Tilly, if you've got something to say perhaps you'd like to share it with the rest of us....'

If you don't stop looking out the window maybe I'll just sit and look out the window!

My children use the phrase "blown away" to mean their teachers were impressed, and having attended a few assemblies it's definitely the phrase-to-use at their school.

I remember being told off for swinging on chairs, but also staring out and windows, and cartwheeling rather than fielding when playing rounders.

I got a lot of "are you X's sister? you are very different to him" - stating the obvious really. I later discovered that my dsis also got this, and denied she knew either of us

‘Ave, are you asleep again?!’

My teachers liked to quote all sorts
"The only place you will find success before work is in the dictionary"
"You are sitting on your brains"
"Quiet, stop talking!"
"100 lines!"

Fail to prepare, prepare to Fail!

How many teachers were mentally playing cliche bingo the next day?

My math's teacher used to always sing the line from the 1985 song Trapped by Colonel Abrams" I can tell the way they act and their attitudes" when pupils were playing up I remember it always