Search from various English teachers...
Sasha
Professional TeacherWhy in this sentence "broke" is used instead of "broken": "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" ?
Feb 17, 2013 10:38 PM
Answers · 4
4
The phrase is incorrect by design, using very colloquial / rural dialect — if it were written with correct English, it would be "If it's not broken, don't fix it."
"Ain't" is also always incorrect.
February 25, 2013
1
There's a lot going on with this phrase. The message being conveyed is that if something is getting the job done, then it can be left alone.
I've usually heard this phrase used when talking about a job that is complex, expensive, or tedious. Especially when getting something in perfect working order will not substantially improve the function. A car door with a dent in it might cost $1500 to fix, but it still locks and opens easily.
There's also a lot of meaning in the word 'broke'. Broke implies that something is unable to fulfill it's function. In our car door example, the door is damaged but still able to perform its function. I see this phrase used to drive home the point that damaged does not always need to be fixed.
Finally, take the phrase you're asking about. It's incorrect on a number of levels but because it is adequately conveying it's message it does not need to be fixed.
February 18, 2013
1
It is talking about people trying to make things better, but ending up making them worse. If something is working OK, then leave it alone (don't try and fix something that is working perfectly)
it's also a bit of joke, Baroque is a style of antique, so ... if it ain't baroque, dont fix it. Baroque has almost the same pronunciation as broke.
February 18, 2013
the sentence is not correct, either. it should be: "if it's not broken, don't fix it"
February 18, 2013
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Sasha
Language Skills
English, French, Russian, Ukrainian
Learning Language
English, French, Russian, Ukrainian
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
12 likes · 11 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
13 likes · 11 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
10 likes · 6 Comments
More articles