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Don't Have a Cow, Man!

Phrase

About

"Don't Have a Cow, Man!" is a popular idiom that originated in the United States and gained widespread recognition through its frequent use by Bart Simpson in the animated TV series "The Simpsons." The phrase is derived from the idiom "to have a cow," which means to have a strong, often negative emotional reaction, akin to having a meltdown. When someone says "don't have a cow," they are advising others to relax or calm down, suggesting that their reaction is disproportionate to the situation. This phrase is commonly used to subdue an unnecessarily strong reaction, often in situations where the person is overreacting with worry, concern, anxiety, or anger. It is typically used in informal settings and has become a recognizable part of pop culture, symbolizing a lighthearted way to urge someone to ease up and take things in stride. Despite its origins dating back to the 1950s, the phrase's popularity surged in the 1990s, largely due to its association with Bart Simpson's character.