The Great Linguistic Debate: Is It "Open Sesame" Or "Open Says Me"? The Definitive Answer

The question of whether the magical command is "Open Sesame" or the more whimsical "Open Says Me" is a fascinating linguistic puzzle that has confused English speakers for generations. As of December 2025, the definitive and historically correct phrase is unequivocally "Open Sesame," a term that serves as the iconic password to a hidden treasure cave in the classic Arabic folk tale, *Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves*. The confusion stems from a common phenomenon called a mondegreen—a mishearing of a phrase—that was amplified and cemented in popular culture through a famous cartoon spoof. This deep dive will not only settle the debate once and for all but also explore the rich history, compelling etymology, and surprising pop culture references that have kept this seemingly simple phrase alive and contested for centuries.

The Definitive Answer: The 'Open Sesame' Origin Story

The correct and original phrase is "Open Sesame," which first appeared in European literature in the early 18th century. It is the magical incantation used to unlock the entrance to a secret cavern filled with riches.

The Literary Roots in *One Thousand and One Nights*

The tale of *Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves* is one of the most famous stories associated with the collection *One Thousand and One Nights* (or *Arabian Nights*). * The Translator: The story was introduced to the Western world by the French orientalist and translator Antoine Galland. Galland included the tale in his volume *Les Mille et Une Nuits*, published between 1704 and 1717. * The Original Phrase: Galland’s French translation rendered the phrase as *Sésame, ouvre-toi*, which translates directly to "Sesame, open yourself." The supposed Arabic original is *iftah yā simsim* (افتح يا سمسم), meaning "Open, O Sesame." * The Discovery: The protagonist, Ali Baba, a poor woodcutter, overhears the Forty Thieves using the phrase to open their hidden den where they store their vast treasure and booty. The cave door is a massive, concealed rock face that slides open only upon hearing the correct word.

The Key Entities of the Tale

The story's enduring popularity is due to its compelling characters and themes of greed, cleverness, and justice. The main entities include:

• Ali Baba: The honest but poor woodcutter who accidentally discovers the secret of the cave.
• Cassim: Ali Baba's rich and greedy brother, whose attempt to steal the treasure leads to his demise.
• Morgiana: Ali Baba's clever and courageous slave girl, who is arguably the true hero, saving Ali Baba from the Captain of the Thieves multiple times.
• The Forty Thieves: A band of robbers who use the cave as their secret hideout.

The Etymological Power of the Sesame Seed

Why did the magical phrase specifically use the word "sesame" instead of another word? The answer lies in the plant's unique biological properties and its ancient, almost mystical, significance.

Symbolism of the Bursting Pod

The most widely accepted etymological theory links the phrase directly to the sesame seed plant (*Sesamum indicum*). * The Mechanism: When the sesame seed pod reaches maturity, it is known to burst open with a distinct, sudden sound, scattering its seeds. This dramatic, automatic opening action perfectly symbolizes the sudden, magical springing open of the cave door. * A Command: The phrase is essentially a metaphorical command: "Open like a sesame pod!" This visual connection makes the word a powerful, evocative choice for a magical password.

Ancient and Linguistic Roots

The sesame plant itself has a deep history, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. * Magical Properties: The Babylonians are believed to have considered the sesame seed to possess magical properties, which may have influenced its inclusion in the folk tale. * Akkadian Connection: The word "sesame" ultimately derives from the Akkadian word *šamaššamu*, which later evolved into the Greek *sesamon* and the Latin *sesamum*. This ancient lineage gives the phrase a powerful sense of historical depth and mysticism.

'Open Says Me': The Mondegreen and Pop Culture Misconception

If "Open Sesame" is the correct phrase, where did "Open Says Me" come from, and why is the confusion so persistent? The erroneous phrase is a classic example of a mondegreen—a word or phrase resulting from a mishearing or misinterpretation of a word or phrase.

The Power of Mishearing

In the English language, "Sesame" (pronounced *sez-uh-mee*) sounds remarkably similar to "Says Me." Because the phrase is a command to open something, a logical, albeit incorrect, folk etymology developed: "Open, because *I* say so," or "Open, says me." This makes the phrase sound like a more assertive, direct command, especially to a child who may not be familiar with the sesame seed symbolism.

The Popeye Connection

The misconception was significantly amplified and popularized by an iconic piece of 20th-century American animation. * The Spoof: The phrase "Open Says Me" (often written as "Open Sez Me" to mimic his accent) was famously used by the cartoon character Popeye the Sailor Man. * The Cartoon: In the 1937 Fleischer Studios feature *Popeye the Sailor Meets Ali Baba's Forty Thieves*, Popeye uses his own version of the magic word. Instead of opening the cave, Popeye famously uses "Open Says Me" to open his can of spinach, giving him the strength to defeat the villains, including Abu Hassan, the Captain of the Thieves. * Cultural Impact: This cultural spoof, watched by millions, cemented "Open Says Me" as a recognized, if incorrect, alternative, forever linking the two phrases in the public consciousness.

Modern Usage and The Enduring Legacy

Today, "Open Sesame" remains a powerful and widely understood idiom. It is used in modern language to refer to any key, password, or simple action that grants instantaneous access to something previously closed, hidden, or restricted. From computer passwords and security systems to children's toys and marketing slogans, the phrase is a testament to the enduring power of the Arabic folk tale and the genius of Antoine Galland's translation. While "Open Says Me" is a charming cultural artifact—a mondegreen born of a cartoon and a mishearing—it is the original "Open Sesame" that holds the magic, the history, and the true power to unlock the cave of wonders. Knowing the difference is the real secret password to being a true linguistic authority.