..explain why the term / phrase exist. Feel free to incriminate yourself.
2006-08-18 08:06:16 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think it comes from the old idea that, if you spoke the devil's name, he's appear. So if you're talking about someone and they show up, it's like you summoned them. Or something. *shrug*
2006-08-18 08:12:01 · answer #1 · answered by Girl Wonder 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The term goes back to the 'old wives tales'. You hear things like this, as a child, and like it or not you repeat it to your own children when you're older. It's mainly the same as "look who just walked in!" It is mainly used in the following instance; you are having a conversation with someone, you begin talking about another person (whom neither of you have seen in quite some time) and iall of a sudden they show up.
2006-08-18 08:15:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't "know" but I have an interpretation. In many cultures it is considered bad form to speak the name of certain entities, generally evil ones ... lest you call them forth ... the same is true in the world of Harry Potter as well.
People use this phrase when talking of/about someone just prior to their arrival ... so it's as if they came when spoken about, such as is implied for the devil or other being.
2006-08-18 08:15:58 · answer #3 · answered by Arkangyle 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hell ya! When we are talking about idiots and f@#!wads and then George W. Bush comes on the tv screen, my family all says that. When we talk about Brittney Spears and sl^ts, usually about that time my Aunt Lisa comes into the room. We use it then too. And I was just asking myself what kind of question would Satan put up and well, speak of the devil.
2006-08-18 08:24:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the whole saying is "Speak of the devil and he will come" in a casual sense it probably indicates that you were talking about someone and they suddenly decide to walk up to you
2006-08-18 08:12:47 · answer #5 · answered by nymphette13 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Speak of the Devil" is short for "Speak of the Devil and he shall come". It was believed that if you spoke about the Devil it would attract his attention. That's why when you're talking about someone and they show up people say "Speak of the Devil".
2006-08-18 08:11:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
We use it a lot. Like when we are talking about my daughter and she walks into the room. We also use the phrase "Well, I thought I smelled evil." but that is usually with my sister.
2006-08-18 08:17:41 · answer #7 · answered by Mawyemsekhmet 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use it all the time...It was believed yaers and years ago that when you sopke of Lucifer he would appear...therefor you say "speak of the Devil"...just means you were talking about them and there they are...
2006-08-18 08:11:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure buddy when you are talking about someone that just arrived, it is not meant to be evil, but talk it how you want.
check this out S.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsTwAkj1x97qZdRN6SmwUyvsy6IX?qid=20060818070735AA0sgr6
2006-08-18 08:12:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only when refering to myself.
2006-08-18 08:12:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋