English

Alternative forms

In 17th century, found in various forms with the adjective for the words or the food that is buttered being different, thus allowing combinations of "fine/fair/soft words butter no parsnips/cabbage/fish/connie" before becoming standardized in the form "fine words doth butter no parsnips".

Proverb

fine words butter no parsnips

1. Nothing is achieved by empty words or flattery.

Translations

See also

• actions speak louder than words

References

• Butter no parsnips on World Wide Words
• Fine words butter no parsnips on The Phrase Finder