where does the phrase "call me anything but (don't call me) late for dinner" come from?

Question

And what does it mean?

Answer 1

In the age of etiquette (good manners) it was concidered extremely rude to be late for a meal-especially dinner. It was better to be called a name than to be the social out-cast who was "late for dinner". This social rule began to break down in the late 1950's when war and work began to break up the traditional family and the ritual of having family dinner together. Sad...

Answer 2

I use this phrase quite often as a joke when we are discussing what I like to be called.

My first name is an unusual name and people often mispronounce it. When they find out about the correct pronunciation, they often apologize. I say something like, "It doesn't matter. I've been called worse. As long as you don't call me late for dinner."

So, I guess the meaning of this phrase, as I use it, is that I'm forgiving the person for the potential offense of mispronouncing my name.

I have no idea where the phrase came from.

Answer 3

The first thing that came to my mind when I first heard it in 1980 was, that to be late for dinner meant that you were out running the streets instead of having structure and order in your life and be home for dinner. That is just my own feel of what it means to me.

Answer 4

Call me anything, but don't call me "late for dinner," means as long as I get to eat, I'm okay.

It's a play on the word "call" as in "what name you use for me" and "to holler and get someone's attention."

Answer 5

Was thinking to ask this question too

Answer 6

It is a common sort of wisecrack response that people say when asked what their name is.

Answer 7

It's just another way of saying: "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me".

Answer 8

very interesting question

Answer 9

it comes from your cake hole " the mouth" when you utter it