Ellipsis of sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

In order to achieve something, it is inevitable and necessary that some mistakes are made or some sacrifices must occur.

Alternative form of sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

(idiomatic) A response to taunting proclaiming the speaker's indifference.

(archaic) second-person singular simple present form of break