Why do people say "sweet sixteen"?
I think it sounds retarded. Wouldn't "sweet fourteen" be more appropriate? I prefered being 14 than 16.
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MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > Why do people say "sweet sixteen"?
I was cool when I was 9 the most. The world at my fingertips buds..
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Because of the alliteration. Duh!
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It's an old tradition. It used to be that people were considered "adults" at that age, particularly young women, and were able to enter the work force, or eligible for marriage. 16 is still an important milestone for many teenagers, because then, they can join today's workforce (some states do allow anyone 15 and up to work, others do not), get a license to drive (in some states), and in a few places, it's legal for them to get married (though few attempt it at that age).
Believe it or not, Latin American culture has something similar, but they call it a "QuinceaƱera," where the girl has her "coming-of-age" birthday party at 15 instead of 16. They're more common in places like California or southern Texas, where there are large Hispanic populations.
It should also be noted that it is alliterative, and rolls off the tongue with the two S's.
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