Take a Look Into The Mystery – Open Sesame or Open Says Me: Which One Is Correct?
Are you confused about whether it’s “Open Sesame” or “Open Says Me”? You’re not alone. This phrase has been used for centuries, and its origins are shrouded in mystery. While many people believe that the correct phrase is “Open Sesame,” others argue that it’s actually “Open Says Me.” So, “Open Sesame” or “Open Says Me”: which one is correct?
To answer this question, we need to look at the history of the phrase. The first recorded use of “Open Sesame” was in the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, which was included in Antoine Galland’s version of One Thousand and One Nights. In the story, the phrase was used as a magical command to open the mouth of a cave where forty thieves had hidden their treasure. However, some people argue that the phrase was actually “Open Says Me” in the original Arabic text.
Despite the debate over the correct phrase, “Open Sesame” has become the more commonly used version in modern times. It’s often used as a playful command to open doors or reveal secrets. So, whether you prefer “Open Sesame” or “Open Says Me,” the important thing is that you use it with a sense of wonder and magic.
Origins of the Phrase

The phrase “Open Sesame” is one of the most popular phrases in the English language. It is used to open doors, gates, and other things. However, there is some confusion about the phrase. Some people believe that the phrase is “Open Says Me” instead of “Open Sesame.” In this section, we will explore the origins of the phrase and try to uncover the truth.
Historical Context
The phrase “Open Sesame” comes from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, which is part of the book One Thousand and One Nights. The story is about a poor woodcutter named Ali Baba who discovers the secret of a band of thieves. The thieves hide their treasure in a cave, which can only be opened by saying the magic words “Open Sesame.”
The origin of the phrase is contested. Some scholars believe that the story was first recorded in a French translation by Antoine Galland. Galland claimed that he heard the story in Aleppo, Syria. However, some scholars argue that Galland made up the story himself, since no documentation of the story in old Arabic records has ever been found.
Literary References
The phrase “Open Sesame” has been used in various literary works over the years. For example, in Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield, the character Mr. Micawber says, “I shall never forget the touching incident of the opulent invalid who asked me to open the door of the tomb for him, which I really believe had been shut up for twenty years, with some vague idea that its being a sepulchre might have something to do with it. To think of that dear blessed creature having anything to do with doors!” The phrase “Open Sesame” is used here in a metaphorical sense, to mean opening up a long-closed tomb.
In conclusion, the phrase “Open Sesame” has a rich history and has been used in various literary works over the years. While the origin of the phrase is contested, it is clear that it has become a popular phrase in the English language.
Open Sesame or Open Says Me: Which One Is Correct?
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Open Sesame,” you may have wondered if it’s actually “Open Says Me.” Both phrases have been used in popular culture, but which one is correct? In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the linguistic and cultural differences between the two phrases.
Linguistic Analysis
First, let’s break down the linguistic components of each phrase. “Open Sesame” is a phrase that comes from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, which is part of the book One Thousand and One Nights. The word “sesame” refers to the sesame plant, which produces seeds that are used in cooking. The word “open” is a command, indicating that something should be opened.
On the other hand, “Open Says Me” is a more straightforward command. The word “open” is followed by the phrase “says me,” which means that the speaker is commanding something to be opened.
While both phrases are commands to open something, “Open Sesame” has a more mystical and mysterious quality to it, due to its origins in a fantastical story. “Open Says Me,” on the other hand, is a more direct and straightforward command.
Cultural Interpretations
The cultural interpretations of each phrase vary depending on where you are in the world. In Western culture, “Open Sesame” is the more well-known phrase, due to its origins in a popular children’s story. The phrase is often used to refer to a magical or mysterious way of opening something.
In contrast, “Open Says Me” is less well-known in Western culture, but it may be more commonly used in other parts of the world. For example, in India, the phrase “Kullja Sim Sim” is used to mean “Open Sesame,” with “Sim Sim” being a Hindi word that means “open.”
Overall, both “Open Sesame” and “Open Says Me” are valid phrases that can be used to command something to be opened. The choice between the two phrases may depend on personal preference or cultural context.
Impact and Usage

The phrase “Open Sesame” has had a significant impact on popular culture and has been used in various forms of media throughout the years. Here are a few examples of its usage:
In Popular Culture
- Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves: The phrase “Open Sesame” gained popularity after it was used in the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. In the story, the phrase was used to open the door of the thieves’ den, which was filled with treasure. This story has been adapted into various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and books.
- Sesame Street: The children’s show Sesame Street is named after the phrase “Open Sesame.” The show’s creators chose this name because they wanted the show to be like a magical door that opens to a world of learning and fun.
- Pop Culture References: The phrase “Open Sesame” has been referenced in various forms of pop culture, including music, movies, and TV shows. For example, in the movie Shrek, the character Donkey says “Open Sesame” to open the door of a castle.
Modern Day Usage
In modern times, the phrase “Open Sesame” is often used to mean “open up” or “reveal.” Here are a few examples of its modern-day usage:
- Technology: The phrase “Open Sesame” is often used in the context of technology. For example, it is used to describe a feature that allows users to access a hidden or locked feature in a program or app.
- Business: The phrase “Open Sesame” is also used in the business world to describe a strategy or tactic that can help a company achieve success. For example, a company might use the phrase to describe a marketing campaign that opens up new opportunities for growth.
- Everyday Conversations: The phrase “Open Sesame” is still used in everyday conversations to mean “open up” or “reveal.” For example, you might use the phrase to describe a friend who finally opens up to you about their feelings.
Overall, the phrase “Open Sesame” has had a significant impact on popular culture and continues to be used in various forms of media and everyday conversations. So, “Open Sesame” or “Open Says Me”: which one is correct?
Conclusion

After researching the origins of the phrase, it can be concluded that “Open Sesame” is the correct term. The phrase originated from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and was used as a password to open a secret door. The phrase has been consistently used for centuries and has earlier documentation compared to “Open Says Me.”
While some writers have used “Open Says Me,” it is not the original phrase from the story. The mystical tone of “Open Sesame” matches the story’s depiction of invoking a magical command.
It is important to note that the phrase’s meaning has evolved over time. In our modern understanding, “Open Sesame” generally means “please can you open this” or “open this now.” However, the true significance and origins of the phrase remain enshrouded in mystery, and there is currently no official explanation of what the phrase means.
In summary, while both “Open Sesame” and “Open Says Me” have been used, “Open Sesame” is the original and more widely accepted phrase.