Whence the phrase "Was there a boy?" The meaning of expression

The expression "Was there a boy?" Is quite often found in Russian. We use it sometimes thoughtlessly, sometimes cautiously, completely without investing in it that sense and meaning that was inherent in it initially. This phrase is used usually under similar circumstances, when it is implied that there is some doubt about the existence of a particular object. Thus, we as if ask others about whether or not there really was something about which we are talking.

Sometimes people repeat this expression, referring to themselves. Meanwhile, many people are wondering where the phrase "Was there a boy?" Perhaps it was invented not on purpose, and was not at all endowed with the meaning and significance that we attach to the present time.

Origin

Maxim Gorky in the novel The Life of Klim Samgin tells the story of a man who after a long period of time analyzes past events and realizes his guilt. The character does not find a way out of the difficult situation, through his fault a small man is killed. A mistake made once is impossible to correct, but as a defensive reaction there is a phrase: "Was there a boy?" Thus, the protagonist seeks to justify his own inaction and cowardice. The experiences of Klim Samgin, connected with the past, show how a desire to justify himself, to rationalize any bad deeds, arises in man. The character of the book realizes that he once behaved very unworthily, but he needs to maintain a tolerant attitude towards his personality.

Researchers in the field of history say that this expression was used for the first time in relation to Tsarevich Dmitry. Many accused the death of the baby Boris Godunov, which he openly asked with such a phrase: "Was there a boy? Who said that it existed? "As a result, we still do not know what the real truth of the events of the distant past is. That's where the phrase "Was there a boy", so familiar to every person. Now people use it in different cases, sometimes completely out of place. It's just everyone's hearing, and everyone knows it.

Expression of doubt

When people use this expression in their speech, they often do not think about why they pronounce it. What leads them? It's just that it's become a habit. When there is doubt about something, many people start using this combination of words, without thinking about where the phrase "Was there a boy?"

The designated doubt through the use of this phrase most often implies a rhetorical question. That is, no one expects to hear the answer to such a well-known expression. It looks rather streamlined and complete. It is noticed that when people hear it, they involuntarily start to smile and grin. Sometimes after pronouncing the given phrase, everything said earlier is perceived easier, it becomes akin to a joke.

Regret

Just as Clim Samghin was tormented by a sense of guilt for his long-standing deed, people often resort to using this phrase at moments of serious internal torment. It allows them to shut themselves up from their own thoughts, not to hear an angry voice emanating from the depths of the soul. When the problem is already becoming apparent, certain thoughts begin to appear about the correctness of the once adopted decision. Regret becomes a kind of protective reaction, which allows at least somehow to ease their emotional experiences.

If people do not want to disclose such an unsightly inner state to others, they immediately come up with an additional justification, covered with regret. Otherwise, a man could not have lived the rest of his life quietly, without strong remorse.

Guilt

By its nature, it represents a serious burden on the psyche. In fact, feelings of guilt are very damaging to a person. When there is no way to improve the situation, the best qualities start to be suppressed, since they can not be realized. The sense of guilt dampens even incredibly trembling experiences and encourages a person to focus on negative aspects.

Some people, with the appearance of a certain dissatisfaction with themselves, are trying in every possible way to help other people. This does not support in all cases, especially since people often begin to take similar steps unconsciously.

Instead of concluding

Thus, the roots of this expression are deeply historical. Maxim Gorky found him an excellent application in his novel "The Life of Klim Samgin," from which the phrase "Was there a boy?" And continued its development. Even those who did not read the book, perfectly understand the meaning of the above statement. It just really speaks for itself. Today, the use of this expression is often found in the context of comparative analysis and reflects the uncertainty in some events of the distant past.