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What does It Mean to Have a Cow?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

The expression "have a cow" is said to have originated in the 1950s, although an earlier British expression, "having kittens," did cover the same territory. The idea is that certain bits of unexpected or bad news might create the same agony and pain as literally giving birth to a cow. There is every chance that the recipient of bad news might react badly, going ballistic or blowing his or her top.

The cartoon character Bart Simpson helped to popularize this expression with one of his catchphrases, "Don't have a cow, man." Since the character was known for his outrageous pranks and irreverent attitude toward authority figures, most of his victims were prone to extreme frustration. In some respects, it may be more understandable to have a cow instead of a hissy fit, since even the most patient person could lose his or her temper with the proper outside motivation.

TV character Bart Simpson is known for saying, "Don't have a cow, man.".
TV character Bart Simpson is known for saying, "Don't have a cow, man.".

Sometimes the expression is used in anticipation of an emotional response. One might say the boss will have a cow when he learns what the new employee did to the company car. A parent might have such a reaction if a child fails to meet an assigned curfew. The problem is not always the bad news itself, but rather the level of anger or outrage the recipient is about to reach. This is why many people try to defuse the situation by advising the recipient of stressful news to not react badly.

An actual cow, the inspiration for the term to "have a cow.".
An actual cow, the inspiration for the term to "have a cow.".

The expression is very informal, so it shouldn't be used in situations where serious empathy or counseling would be in order. The advice to "not" have one might best be used in circumstances where the initial situation sounds worse than it actually is. When a child brings home a bad report card, for instance, a parent might react badly at first, but the long-term problem can still be addressed. There may be no good way to avoid watching someone have an extreme response to an issue, but the good news is that the episode is usually short-lived.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular LanguageHumanities contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular LanguageHumanities contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

wavy58

@OeKc05 – This phrase has always made me angry, too. If I'm upset, then there is a good reason for it. If someone tells me not to have a cow, they are saying that I am making a big deal out of something trivial.

I don't think this phrase should ever be said to someone who is reacting in anger. Sure, you can say it as a comment about how you think someone may react, as long as that person isn't in the room at the time. If you say it to them after they have shown anger, you will only be adding fuel to the flame.

feasting

I saw a cute “don't have a cow” t-shirt online. My mother loves cows, and she collects cow items, so I was looking for a shirt she would like.

The shirt had the phrase scribbled out to the side of a cow that was obviously angry. It was frowning, showing its teeth, and jumping up and down. The image is just so unexpected, and that's what makes it humorous.

OeKc05

My older sister totally had a cow when my friends and I hid under her bed and waited for her to fall asleep so that we could scare the living daylights out of her. When we jumped out, she screamed, covered her head, and started sobbing.

When she heard our laughter, she realized what had happened. She gave us a strong cursing and hit us hard with her pillow as she chased us out of her room. One of my friends told her, “Don't have a cow!” and that only angered her more.

StarJo

I live out in the country, and I have literally seen a mother cow have a baby cow. There is a lot of high-pitched mooing and straining, and sometimes, the farmer has to go in with his hands and help the baby cow out into the world.

So, I understand the intensity behind this phrase. Having a cow is definitely not pleasant, and it isn't an easy thing to do or to get over.

BigBloom

This could date back to the time when bulls were a key part of society and religion in Europe. People would sacrifice objects and other people to cows and bulls, and bulls could easily turn on you in a wild fit or tantrum. Cows were also sacrificed to atone for sins or to gain the favor of the gods.

anon20453

The phrase was also termed by the writer and feminist, Gertrude Stein, in the early 20th century. It actually means "to have an orgasm," as she refers to it in one of her books. This information can be checked in documentary "Paris was a Woman".

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    • TV character Bart Simpson is known for saying, "Don't have a cow, man.".
      By: Eric Conrad
      TV character Bart Simpson is known for saying, "Don't have a cow, man.".
    • An actual cow, the inspiration for the term to "have a cow.".
      By: Eric Isselée
      An actual cow, the inspiration for the term to "have a cow.".
    • Someone about to get angry might be warned to "not have a cow."
      By: Scott Griessel
      Someone about to get angry might be warned to "not have a cow."
    • The phrase having a cow can be related to someone who gets easily frustrated.
      By: mikhaluk
      The phrase having a cow can be related to someone who gets easily frustrated.