[Ads-l] Goldwynism: When I Want Your Opinion, I'll Give It To You

[ADSGarson O'Toole]

I received a request to investigate another Goldwynism. The astringent
remark in the subject line embodies the attitude of a high-handed boss
who ignores feedback or a domineering partner in a marriage.

The earliest match I found appeared in "Coronet" magazine in February 1952:

[Begin excerpt]
In a New York restaurant, a woman was overheard to tell her henpecked
husband: "Keep quiet. When I want your opinion I'll give it to you!"
--Bill Keisler
[End excerpt]

The item above was submitted to a section of "Coronet" called "Grin
and Share It" by Bill Keisler. Strictly speaking, the creator of this
line was an anonymous woman. The person who recognized its humour was
Keisler.

Singer Bobby Wayne received credit for the joke in March 1952. Soviet
administrator Vladimir Semyonov received credit in 1953. Samuel
Goldwyn received credit in 1965. Humorist Sam Levenson used the line
in memoir in 1966. Quotation collector Laurence J. Peter used it in a
book in 1977.

Here is a link to the QI article:
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2026/02/15/opinion-give/

Feedback welcome
Garson O'Toole

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