Meaning & Analysis
When one person does something (even something trivial or bodily), the other must immediately respond with an action of their own—often in close mimicry or competition.
Insights
Mutual Imitation
The proverb humorously points to a pair so closely associated that whatever one does, the other feels compelled to do something similar or parallel, often to the point of absurdity.
Rivalry or Competition
It can also signify a petty or reflexive rivalry, where every action by one is met by a matching or answering action from the other, regardless of importance.
Inseparable Companionship
Suggests the kind of close friendship or partnership where neither can act independently—each movement or gesture triggers a response from the other.
Bodily Humor and Social Satire
The proverb uses coarse, bodily functions to satirize the pettiness or intimacy of some relationships—whether between friends, spouses, or rivals—where no act is too small to provoke a response.
Cultural Commentary
Such expressions reflect early modern England's comfort with earthy humor and serve as social critique, poking fun at both excessive intimacy and pointless rivalry.
Psychological Dynamic
The saying captures the psychological phenomenon of codependence or reflexive competition, where one’s self-definition is tied to constant reaction to another.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
Pits two similar but distinct bodily actions against each other, underlining both their parallelism and their triviality.
Colloquialism
Employs coarse, everyday speech for comic effect and relatability, making the lesson memorable.
Hyperbole
Exaggerates the degree of imitation or rivalry to the point of absurdity, intensifying the humor and critique.
Transcription
Quotations
My husband and he be so great, that the ton Can not pisse but the tother must let a fart.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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