Talk:Never mind

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[edit] Disputed

'It is considered by some to be a shortening of "never you mind".'

I've often heard "never mind" in many contexts but am unfamiliar with the phrase 'never you mind.' Who are the "some" being referred to? In any event, the assertion isn't supported by a reference. Gerardw 18:38, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

Hmm. I haven't found an etymology so far, but the idiom "Never you mind" goes back to at least Dickens. [1] The construction "never mind" also appears in the same passage, so they were concurrent, at least at the time "Master Humphrey's Clock" was written. Perhaps I'll dig out my OED later and see whether it has anything to say on the subject. -- Karen | Talk | contribs 21:49, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

[edit] what is this article about?

is it specifically about Emily Litella's use of the phrase "Never mind", or is it about the phrase "Never mind" itself? because a quick look in the OED confirms that the origin came much (much much) before Saturday Night Live. perhaps the show popularized the phrase to american audiences? it is widespread in the UK, even though most people in the UK have no idea what Saturday Night Live is (they're missing out!). 131.111.24.187 (talk) 14:33, 27 May 2008 (UTC)