proverb · Words worth keeping
Sluts are good enough to make slovens' pottage.
Sluts are good enough to make slovens' pottage.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying treats a person disparaged as a slut as good enough to make pottage for someone disparaged as a sloven. It pairs two insults to express a reduced standard of suitability.
Example
A reader examines the matching insults rather than using either label to decide what quality of provision someone deserves.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Good enough makes the judgment relational: the speaker considers the preparer suitable for the eater named. A critical interpretation identifies the contempt without turning labels into evidence of hygiene, competence or worth. The food image can raise a question about expectations, but should not justify giving people inadequate care because of a stereotype.
When to use it
Use it critically to examine suitability expressed through demeaning labels.
Keep in mind
The saying is not food-safety guidance or a basis for judging people’s worth.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English