Phrase used when advising somebody of facts /an issue /and explanation (etc) using the most simplest of words in order that they may understand.
Often associated with 'full and frank conversation' the phrase 'words of one syllable or less' is actually gramatically incorrect in its use of 'or less' (essentially 'or less' makes no sense whereas 'or fewer' would be correct) but nicely conveys the situation.
Believed to have originated with the staff of Britain's railways in Southern England.
The few words, if any, to say before a fight ensues.
The most common topics to insult are:
Your Mom/dad Your sister/brother
Your close friend
Your girlfriend/boyfriend Your wife/husband
Your son/daughter
Your pet
Your financial situation
Or anything else you take seriously
(Both Max, the innocent bystander & Rick are standing in a alleyway, about to fight.)
Max: Any last words? (He punches his knuckles together and then gets into a fighting stance.)
Rick: I'm gonna kick your fucking ass! (He glides his arms around him to end up with him getting into a fighting stance, both said their fighting words.)
3 words is used when saying "fuck your mom" is not appropriate or if there is a child in the room. Instead of saying "fuck your mom", you say "i have 3 words...first word..." and it is understood from this point on that you mean to fuck whoever's mom.
Manny: "Hey Abasei, want to go get our belly button's pierced?"
Abesei: "Hey Manny, I have 3 words for you.."