So I had heard this phrase in an Austin Butler interview and looked it up. According to the internet a younger person might say it to an older person when deferring to them as a light joke and as a way to signal they thought the wisdom gained through age was important. I though it seemed sophisticated albeit could be interpreted as insulting if the person did not get it.
Well I was waiting to enter a coffee shop today (the doorway was small and congested) when I saw some older posh British people having a chat with the clerk. As they were leaving I held the door and stepped aside and said “age before beauty” with a smile figuring from their accent that they would get it, but I don’t think they took it well. Heard a loud “oh” from the wife after I said it, and then after they passed mostly out of earshot some affronted yelling between them. I’ve been kicking myself for the last hour. I’m on a small island and if I run into them I’m probably screwed.
TL;DR said age before beauty as a joke to some old British people while holding the door, unintentionally insulted them, feel terrible.
Comments
Next time try “damn, bitch you old. You can go first.”
So you knew it could be taken differently than what you intended and still used it on strangers? Not the smartest move there.
>I though it seemed sophisticated albeit
Well, that was an error. Are you a native English speaker? It’s just an insult.
Calling strangers old and ugly is never a good thing.
🤣🤣🤣🤣. I like to go first and then say this line, it throws men off and they usually smile.
This is hilarious lol
Next time try and work in calling them stupid too.
Yeah, that’s a joke you do to you friend who’s a year older than you, not something to say to strangers.
This phrase is meant to be used with good friends.
68 you. Boomer here…I think thats hilarious 😂
From a stranger, this would be an insult since you just called me old and ugly. As a friend who really knew me, it could be a running joke. Who is smarter, who is prettier….
It’s kinda a southern saying I think. Don’t use that stuff on foreigners, especially Brits!
The traditional answer as you sweep past someone so rude is, “Pearls before swine!”
German here, we use that alot. Don’t say it to strangers or people you’re formal with. If you really wanna brinng it say “beauty before age” to indicate they look way younger than you
Yeah. It’s a thing. But it’s the sort of thing you say to a close friend or older sibling maybe a parent. As a joke.
Calling strangers old and ugly isn’t really a great plan.
It is used when you are old and cut someone in line. Then it is flattering and self deprecating. In reverse it’s insulting. It can still be used as a joke with someone you are close to, but not strangers (as you have learned).
Kinda funny though.
Some people are too serious lol
age over stupid – more accurate.