Meaning & Analysis
A thing or person is neither fish nor flesh (meat), nor even a good red herring (a staple preserved fish); it is neither one thing nor another, nor even a worthy third option.
Insights
Ambiguity and Indecision
The proverb is used to describe something or someone that is undefined, lacking clear identity or commitment—caught between categories and belonging to none.
Lack of Substance or Value
It implies mediocrity or worthlessness: not only does the subject fail to fit established roles, but it is not even a notable exception.
Rejection of Neutrality
The saying often serves as a critique of fence-sitters or 'neuters' who refuse to take sides or stand for anything significant.
Historical and Social Usage
Dating to at least the sixteenth century, the phrase has been deployed to mock social, religious, or political inconstancy—those who are neither Catholic nor Protestant, neither radical nor conservative, but indecisively in between.
Cultural Resonance
References to both 'flesh' (meat) and 'red herring' reflect historical dietary distinctions, with red herring being a modest, staple food. Thus, the proverb’s force lies in showing that the subject fails to meet even this low standard.
Psychological Commentary
The proverb captures social discomfort with ambiguity, signaling a preference for clear, defined roles and commitments.
Rhetorical Devices
Tricolon
The structure ‘neither fish, nor flesh, nor good red herring’ uses three parallel elements for rhetorical effect, amplifying the sense of exclusion.
Ellipsis
Omission of specifics allows the phrase to be applied broadly—to people, situations, ideas—enhancing its utility.
Irony
There is wry irony in rejecting not just primary categories but even the humble ‘red herring,’ heightening the proverb’s satirical tone.
Transcription
Quotations
Wone that is nether flesshe nor fisshe.
(She is nother fishe nor).
'Tys neyther flesh nor fysh.
Neither fish nor flesh (as men say,) but half of one sute and half of another, as is saide in the prouerb.
They that are neither of both, but betwixt both, neither Fish nor Flesh but plaine Red-Herring.
You are a neutrall, neyther syde affectinge, Nor fish nor flesh, nor very good redherringe.
Neither fish nor flesh. —No, nor good red herring.
(Neither fish nor flesh nor).
(He is neither fish, nor).
(nor yet good Red-herring).
Damn'd Neuters, in their middle way of steering, Are neither Fish, nor Flesh, nor good Red-Herring.
Shakespeare Citations
Why, she's neither fish nor flesh; a man knows not where to have her.
Cross References
- See St., no. 2415.
Annotations
- To be wavering and inconstant in Religion.
- That is, stark naught.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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