What does it mean, exactly, upon parting, when someone says "be safe"? Are they telling you to look both ways when crossing the street? Are they telling you to use a condom? Are they secretly making fun of you? What is this linguistic phenomenon that seems to be catching on?
2007-12-02 11:21:29 · 13 answers · asked by dokungfu 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I'm not particularly familiar with English slang, I'm a foreigner, so bite me!
2007-12-02 19:42:41 · update #1
It means, "be safe!" -- What else would it mean? O_o
2007-12-02 11:32:53 · answer #1 · answered by xothebestox 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Be Safe Meaning
2016-12-18 08:51:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay Safe Meaning
2016-10-04 12:17:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means "Watch for traffic, Don't drink too much, Don't get in any fights, Don't walk in a dark alley alone, Keep an eye on your breaks, Don't get lost, Keep your cell-phone handy, Don't get into trouble, Watch out for drunk drivers and inconsiderate people, Make sure strange men aren't following you home, Make sure your friends are with you at all times.... etc etc."
Isn't it easier to say "Be safe!"
2007-12-02 11:44:57 · answer #4 · answered by plastic 7 · 10⤊ 0⤋
Well...that depends on your age.
People say it to teenagers as a kind way to say don't be...well...stupid. It's a two word reminder to adhere to all of the things they taught you from look both ways, to don't drink and drive, to use "protection." They're also saying don't do those things because I don't want a policeman bringing you home at 2am or worse, telling me you won't be coming home again...ever.
On the other hand, we say it to elderly people to remind them that they aren't as young as they used to be and REALLY shouldn't be driving anymore.
2007-12-02 11:37:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I look at it as a type of blessing or prayer for the person leaving- that they won't have anything bad or harmful happen to them on their way to their next destination.
I guess it became popular because people are more aware of bad things happening to good people than they were before.
2007-12-02 11:33:05 · answer #6 · answered by trinityamber 1 · 5⤊ 0⤋
My family has done this for several years. It simply means to take care of yourself until we see each other again. I don't believe anyone uses it to make fun of someone. It is just a small way to show you care.
2007-12-02 11:33:30 · answer #7 · answered by Teach 1 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Let's hope you know how to read this being that your question is really one that a two year old would ask.
Like I tell my students...this is about as good as I can do for something so simple.
Here goes:
Main Entry: be
2 a: to have an objective existence : have reality or actuality : live b: to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position
Main Entry: safe
1: free from harm or risk : unhurt
2007-12-02 11:47:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋
it means just that, BE SAFE! In all situations. its their way of saying that their are some really crazy people out there and that you should be aware of your surroundings all the time.
2007-12-02 12:27:03 · answer #9 · answered by rivetbabydoll 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i think you'd have to ask the first mom (maybe eve as in "adam and eve") because mom's have been saying this since time began.
2007-12-02 11:31:58 · answer #10 · answered by jen19music 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋