Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

this is why we can't have nice things

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.02 in modern English

Syllables: this is why we -can't have nice things
IPA

58

Scrabble Score

29

Letters

2

Syllables

12

Unique Chars

Meaning

phrase

Expressing reproach when somebody harms or damages something.

Humorous

phrase

Expressing reproach and resignation about human nature.

Example Sentences

""This is why we can't have nice things," said Dorrie's father, breaking into her thoughts. "Like appliances." Dorrie glanced over at the corner of the ballroom-declared-kitchen to see him lifting several tacks out of a pot of clam chowder with a slotted spoon."
"This is why we can't have nice things, darling / Because you break them, I had to take them away / This is why we can't have nice things, honey, oh / Did you think I wouldn't hear all the things you said about me? / This is why we can't have nice things"
""This is why we can't have nice things," said a Mountain to a man, "You don't yet respect the impermanence of living ...and the permanence of life.""

Etymology

Said to have been popularized by American stand-up comedian Paula Poundstone.

Usage

Humorous

Questions

What does this is why we can't have nice things mean?: Expressing reproach when somebody harms or damages something.
Where does this is why we can't have nice things come from?: Said to have been popularized by American stand-up comedian Paula Poundstone.

How to pronounce this is why we can't have nice things

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