Mum’s the word - the nation’s favourite ‘mum-isms’ revealed

• Asda to give away free flowers to mums at all of its supermarket and superstores* this Mother’s Day weekend

• 89% of Brits remember their mum’s classic sayings, with 56% now catching themselves saying three ‘mum-isms’ every week

• Mums are also known for putting themselves last, with 1 in 5 (18%) regularly saying “don’t worry about me” when it comes to gifts

This Mother’s Day weekend, Asda is giving mums free daffodils in all of its supermarkets and superstores* to ensure they get a little well-deserved fuss

10th March 2026, London, UK: Nearly 9 in 10 Brits (89%) still remember their mum’s classic sayings growing up, and ahead of Mother’s Day, Asda has revealed the nation’s favourites. Taking the top spots are the iconic lines ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’, ‘don’t talk with your mouth full’ and ‘were you born in a barn?’ These words - or ‘mum-isms’ - have shaped a generation. In fact, more than half (56%) of adults admit they now find themselves using at least three ‘mum-isms’ every week, despite once swearing they never would.

But while mums have no shortage of advice, they’re often the first to put themselves last, quietly insisting “don’t worry about me” when it comes to gifts. The survey found that a fifth (18%) regularly hear their mum say this, usually to avoid being a burden (32%), stop any fuss (19%) or make sure they don’t spend money on them (17%).

This Mother’s Day weekend, Asda is stepping in to change that. On Saturday 14th March, mums across all of its supermarkets and superstores* who say “mum’s the word” to a community champion colleague will receive a free bunch of daffodils, while stocks last, giving them a moment of well-deserved fuss.

An Asda spokesperson said: “We know all too well that mums can often put themselves last and so this Mother’s Day, we’re here to change that. We’re celebrating mums up and down the country the Asda way.

“Because even though they always say, “Don’t worry about me”, this time we absolutely are. We’re giving away fresh daffodils in 550 stores nationwide to make sure every mum feels appreciated. Just pop into your local Asda, say “mum’s the word”, and pick up a bunch on us.”

Other favourite ‘mum-isms’ from the survey include the bone-chilling warnings “I’ve got eyes in the back of my head” (35%), “if the wind changes, you’ll be stuck like that” (35%) and the classic “I want never gets” (34%). While 44% of adults admit they rolled their eyes at these sayings growing up, nearly half (48%) now say they fully appreciate their meaning and admit mum was right all along.

The research also shows that many people eventually start to sound like their parents. More than a third (37%) agree that at a certain age everyone begins to become more like their mum or dad. In fact, 36% of parents say they only realised how similar they are to their own parents once they had children themselves.

For many, this resemblance is something to celebrate. Over half (52%) say turning into their parents is not a problem, with 26% seeing it as positive and 15% saying it even makes them feel closer to them.

Two-thirds (65%) say they wouldn’t be the person they are today without their mum, and 54% believe they are a better person because of her influence. Yet mums often put themselves last, with 57% regularly downplaying their own needs and wants. Thankfully, more than half (51%) of adults plan to ignore the classic “don’t worry about me” advice this Mothering Sunday – and show their appreciation with a gift.

THE TOP 20 MUM-ISMS:

Money doesn’t grow on trees – 70%

Don’t talk with your mouth full – 45%

Don’t eat that, you’ll spoil your dinner – 45%

If someone asked you to jump off a cliff, would you? – 36%

Do not slam the door – 36%

I’ve got eyes in the back of my head – 35%

If the wind changes, you’ll be stuck like that – 35%

If you don’t finish your dinner, there’ll be no pudding – 35%

Wait until your dad gets home – 34%

I am not your slave – 34%

Were you born in a barn? – 34%

I want never gets – 34%

I don’t care who started it – 33%

Eat your greens – 32%

I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times – 31%

Don’t say what, say pardon – 31%

Call me when you arrive safely – 31%

Don’t put your coat on inside, you won’t feel the benefit outside – 30%

Don’t put your feet on the furniture – 30%

Sit on your chair properly – 28%

ENDS

Notes to editors

*Available at 550 superstores and supermarkets

Ts&Cs: The Asda Mother’s Day daffodil giveaway will take place on Saturday 14th March 2026 at all 550 Asda Supermarkets and Superstores. Participants need to say ‘Mum’s the word’ to the designated Asda community colleague.

Daffodils are first come, first served and limited to 80 bunches per store. One bunch per person. No purchase needed. No cash alternative. Subject to availability and store discretion.

About the research

The findings presented in this release are based on a nationally representative online survey conducted for Asda via research and insights agency Perspectus Global in February 2026.

Perspectus Global adheres strictly to the highest standards of market research and insight, in full compliance with the ESOMAR principles and the Market Research Society (MRS) Code of Conduct. All data collected and processed is strictly confidential.