Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Swim4life]

Is the phrase �Sweet nothings� derogatory or commendatory? Can I take it as �it�s sweet, but it�s nothing�? Thanks.

[lotus]

Hi Swim4life,

It is definitely a complimentary phrase. It is an old romantic phrase meaning sweet words or sweet things.

He whispered sweet nothings in her ear.


--lotus

[beancurdturtle]

It's flirtatious words.
_________________
Daniel

�Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.�
--Dr. Seuss

[Swim4life]

Thanks Lotus and Daniel. Any other ideas anyone?

[CP]

A long time ago, maybe in the late 1950s, there was a pop song called "Sweet Nothings," though I don't know who sang it first.

One Web site calls it a Diana Ross song, credits R. Seit with writing it, and gives the lyrics as:

Uh-huh honey
All right
My baby whispers in my ear
Mm, sweet nothings
He knows the things I like to hear
Mm, sweet nothings
Things he wouldn't tell nobody else

Secret, baby
I keep it to myself
Sweet nothings
We walk along hand in hand
Mm, sweet nothings
Yeah, we both understand
Mm, sweet nothings

He certainly takes
The time to read my book
My baby, give me that special look
Sweet nothings
Mm, sweet nothings

Uh-huh honey
I'm sitting on my front porch
Mm, sweet nothings
Well, do I love you?
Of course
Mm, sweet nothings

Mama turned on
The front porch light
And said
"Come in darling
That's enough for tonight"
Sweet nothings
Mm, sweet nothings
Sweet nothings
Mm, sweet nothings
Sweet nothings
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Swim4life]

Hmm...sweet nothings...that's sweet. Thanks CP.