motherhood statement

[pvjn1]

I have heard the expression 'motherhood statement' being used in the context of a 'sweeping statement' or 'generalisation'. What is the origin of this expression, and why is it known as a 'motherhood statement'?

[Anglika]

This is Wikipedia's interpretation: a "feel good" platitude, usually by a politician, about a worthy concept that few people would disagree with, without any specified plans for realisation. For example, "Our country must contribute to world peace."

I imagine that the word "motherhood" is applied as it gives a homey comfortable feel to the statement.

[eastontario]

In college first year accounting, on one of my first assignments I made reference in words as to how I'd treat an accounting item.
There was no conversion of the idea to standard "debit" and "credit" presentation method to the general ledger (as at:
Accounting Cycle: General Ledger Accounting
)

I believe the caution was "Don't make motherhood statements" towards future presentations to be for the course.
It was an English course response ignorant due form, something like:
"Well...you just debit this and credit that. Easy. Simple."

While perhaps correct enough, it just didn't fly.

[Barb_D]

Take a look at this thread: http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/en...apple-pie.html

[eastontario]

Take a look at this thread: http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/en...apple-pie.html

Not impressive contenders there, it seems to me.

It was hard for me to find that reference.

Basically I used my search engine variant:
www.eastontario.com/a/#motherhood+statement

Please add my search engine variant to your favorites.

If there is a set of domains that interest you for search narrowing, post to this thread and I might be able to post an online page towards it.

www.eastontario.com/a/#usingEnglish.com