“Eat Shit. A Billion Flies Can’t Be Wrong”

The Origin of the Expression: “Eat Shit. A Billion Flies Can’t Be Wrong“

Expressions and idioms often have fascinating origins, and one such phrase that has gained popularity over the years is “Eat shit. A billion flies can’t be wrong.” This jocular saying, which has been printed on various images and shared widely, carries a humorous undertone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of this expression and trace its evolution through time.

The origins of the phrase can be traced back to the 1927 song title, “Fifty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong,” which served as the initial inspiration for the joke meme. The humorous notion that a large number of individuals couldn’t possibly be mistaken found its way into other contexts, including references to flies and restaurants. For instance, a 1930 publication humorously mentioned that “ten million flies can’t be wrong” in relation to a picnic. Soon after, the joke was applied to restaurants, with signs like “Eat Here—50 Million Flies Can’t Be Wrong” appearing in newspapers by the 1940s.

Over time, the expression underwent some variations. In 1976, the phrase “Eat garbage. 10 million flies can’t be wrong” was documented, followed by “Eat shit, a million flies can’t be wrong” in 1977. These variations reflect the adaptability and humor inherent in language and the way expressions can evolve over time.

The phrase “Eat shit. A billion flies can’t be wrong” is a playful and ironic way of suggesting that something, despite its unappealing nature or appearance, might actually be worth trying. It highlights the idea that popular opinion or consensus, even if seemingly unpalatable, can sometimes be surprisingly accurate or reliable.

In contemporary usage, the expression is often employed in a lighthearted or sarcastic manner. It may be used as a humorous response to someone’s skepticism or reluctance to try something new, suggesting that they should trust the collective judgment of a large number of individuals, symbolized by the “billion flies.” However, it’s important to note that the phrase should be understood in its intended humoristic context and used with caution, considering the potentially offensive nature of the language involved.

The expression “Eat shit. A billion flies can’t be wrong” originated from the 1927 song title “Fifty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong” and subsequently evolved through humorous references to flies and restaurants. It has become a popular jocular saying, emphasizing the irony that a large number of individuals, represented by flies, couldn’t possibly be mistaken. The phrase serves as a lighthearted way to suggest that popular opinion or consensus might hold some truth, even if it initially appears unappealing. However, it’s important to use the expression with care and consider the context and potential sensitivities of the language involved.