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who said them’s the breaks ?

### Boris Johnson and the Phrase “Them’s the Breaks”: An Exploration

#### Introduction

When Boris Johnson resigned as the leader of the Conservative Party and as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 7, 2022, he included in his speech the phrase “them’s the breaks.” This colloquial expression, while not unusual in American English, does not often appear in formal political discourse in the UK. Its appearance in Boris Johnson’s speech generated significant interest and debate. Let’s delve into the meaning, origin, and use of the phrase, as well as its surprising appearance in Boris Johnson’s political resignation speech.

#### The Meaning of “Them’s the Breaks”

Them’s the breaks is a colloquial, informal expression that means “that’s how things are” or “that’s the way things turn out.” It implies acceptance of a situation that might not be ideal or enjoyable, but is beyond our control. Essentially, Boris Johnson was expressing that the events leading to his resignation were an unfortunate but inevitable outcome of his term in office.

#### The Origin of the Phrase

The exact origins of “them’s the breaks” are shrouded in some mystery, but there are several theories. One possible origin is connected to the preposition “the,” as in “the breaks.” In mid-20th century American English, “breaks” could refer to luck in a gambling context, leading to the phrase “that’s the break” or “them’s the breaks,” expressing the cards one has been dealt or the luck one has encountered.

Another theory links the phrase to an earlier expression, “break of the game,” which referred to the turns of events in a game, particularly in American sports. This could have evolved into “the breaks,” leading to the current usage.

The phrase gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, often used in sports commentaries to describe the ups and downs of a game. The idiom was further popularized in popular culture, notably by the song “The Breaks” by Kurtis Blow in 1980, which peaked at #87 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the first certified gold rap song.

#### Boris Johnson’s Use of the Phrase

Boris Johnson’s use of “them’s the breaks” was unexpected due to his background and formal education. It was a departure from the polished, often lyrical language typically spoken in the British political arena. The phrase’s informal tone seemed at odds with Johnson’s usual eloquence, leading to widespread attention and discussion.

In his speech, Boris said: “I know that there will be many people who are relieved and perhaps quite a few who will also be disappointed. But them’s the breaks.” Here, Johnson was accepting the inevitable consequences of his term as Prime Minister, acknowledging the spectrum of reactions to his resignation with a touch of realism and colloquial humor.

#### Sociocultural Context and Reaction

The use of “them’s the breaks” sparked reactions ranging from amusement to criticism. Some critics believed that Johnson’s use of the phrase was inappropriate for the gravity of the situation, arguing that it diluted the significance of his resignation.

Others, however, saw it as a sign of his ability to connect with everyday Britons and to present himself in a more relatable and approachable manner. Some even found it humorous and appreciated the lightheartedness in a highly serious situation.

#### Linguistic and Cultural Implications

The phrase’s appearance in Boris Johnson’s speech highlighted an interesting intersection of British and American English. “Them’s the breaks” is predominantly used in American English and is less common in British English. Its inclusion in Johnson’s speech not only showcased his linguistic flexibility but also demonstrated his ability to blend different cultural influences.

From a linguistic standpoint, the use of “them’s” instead of the more formal “those” or “the” exhibited the influence of non-standard English in British political discourse. This could be seen as a step towards more inclusive language use in formal settings, recognizing the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the British populace.

#### Conclusion

In an era where political speech often appears rigid and formulaic, Boris Johnson’s use of “them’s the breaks” stands out as a personal, relatable moment. It provided a glimpse into the human side of a political leader and showcased the ever-evolving nature of language and its role in our culture. While some may have found it out of place, others appreciated the irony and informality it brought to a serious political occasion.

The phrase “them’s the breaks” also serves as a reminder of the complexity of language and its ability to bridge cultural divides. In the context of an iconic British leader using a distinctly American expression, it serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of linguistic influences in the modern world.

As for the question “Who said them’s the breaks?”, the answer is not definitively clear in terms of the originator. Its current usage can be traced back to mid-20th century American English, but it has since found its way into British political discourse through figures like Boris Johnson.