Seeing something that evokes a strong emotion can bring you to tears. However, if you are in the wrong company or if you just don’t want anyone to know you are sensitive, then you may want to deflect. There are plenty of ways to deflect or hide your feelings, using a trendy phrase is one of them.
For example, if you see something heroic but don’t want anyone to know you have been moved to tears, using “I’m not crying, you’re crying” is perfect for you. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
This phrase is used to show strong emotion without admitting that emotion comes from within you. “I’m not crying, you’re crying” is something that someone says when they are, in fact, crying, but they are trying to push it off on someone else because they do not want attention to be drawn to the fact that they are crying.
This can be for any number of reasons, whether they are crying of sadness, joy, or whatever else.
While a phrase like this is typically associated with men in reference to the fact that they often hide their emotions, anyone can use it. “I’m not crying, you’re crying” can also be used to refer to a particularly sad or tear-jerking video or photo. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“Did you see that video of the old lady rescuing that cat from the highway? I’m not crying, you’re crying.”
“Rocky, a dog from my local shelter, finally got adopted after two years. I’m not crying, you’re crying.”
“I love photos of fluffy dogs even though I seem like a tough guy. Actually, I’m not crying, you’re crying.”
Origin
The film Starsky and Hutch was released on February 26th, 2004 by Warner Brothers Pictures. It featured famous actors Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. In one moment between the men, Stiller’s character starts crying and, when Wilson asks if he is crying, responds with “I’m not crying, you’re crying”. Its use in this film is what led to its later popularity on the Internet.
Musical artists including Spector and Pinkshift both released songs (both this year) titled I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying. The audio from the film is a popular sound on TikTok, with thousands of creators using it in their videos. It has been the title of countless videos on YouTube. It became a popular phrase on Reddit in 2015. Shirts, posters, mugs, and more can be found online with the phrase printed on them.
Phrases Similar to I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying
- No you/ no u
- I know you are, but what am I
- Bummed/bummer
- Down in the dumps
Phrases Opposite to I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying
- I’m definitely crying
What is the Correct Saying?
- “I’m not crying, you’re crying” is, itself, the correct saying.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying
This phrase is used to deflect the fact that you are crying and to push that off on someone else. Attempting to use this phrase in regards to a situation that is not particularly sad would be incorrect. Some ways that “I’m not crying, you’re crying” is used incorrectly are:
- I just got a new job yesterday! I’m not crying, you’re crying.
- I love my new tattoo that I just got. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
- My favorite band released new music today! I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying
- I just finished watching The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
- Did you hear Jennifer’s dog had to be put down? I’m not crying, you’re crying.
- I can’t believe my brand new car just got totaled. I’m not crying, you’re crying.