Boys Will be Boys

Depending on the context, this expression is used to explain, censure, or excuse the unruly or improper behaviour of boys. It has been an ancient truism in many different cultures and languages for over 2,000 years. For example, there is an ancient Roman Latin proverb, sunt pueri pueri, pueri puerilia tractant, which translates as, 'children are children and will do childish things.' Note, however, how gender conscious the Romans were for not singling out boys. Boys will be boys is first cited in English from the 1500s.