Idioms From Other Languages

English is not the only language with playful idioms. Many idioms are unique to specific countries due to their culture and native flora and fauna. The speaker presents several examples of interesting idioms from various languages, including Spanish, Swedish, Latvian, French, Japanese, and Australian English, highlighting the cultural influences behind their creation.

Idioms Reflect Culture

• 00:00:37 Idioms differ due to the unique development of each language, influenced by its culture and native environment. The Spanish idiom 'Se volvió un arroz con mango' refers to a big deal, reflecting the widespread growth of mangoes and rice in Spanish-speaking nations. This idiom wouldn't be as fitting in Sweden, where mangoes are not native, but the Swedish idiom 'Det är ingen ko på isen' ('There is no cow on the ice') reflects a common Swedish scene.

Latvian Idiom

• 00:02:03 The Latvian idiom 'Pūst pīlēnus' translates to 'to blow little ducks' and means to tell lies or say something ridiculous. This idiom is similar to the English phrase 'blowing bubbles', which can also imply lying. The speaker finds the ducklings to be a perfect representation of silliness and finds it a fitting image for lies.

French Idiom

• 00:03:30 The French idiom 'avaler des couleuvres' translates to 'to swallow grass snakes' and signifies being so insulted that one has no words left to respond. Snakes are often associated with evil, so this idiom metaphorically represents being rendered speechless by insults. The speaker believes this is a viscerally great idiom, although they struggle to find an exact equivalent in English.

Japanese Idiom

• 00:04:59 The Japanese idiom 'Neko wo kaburu' ('to put a cat on one's head') literally translates to 'to put a cat on one's head'. Despite the seemingly cute image, it means pretending to be nice while having malicious intentions. The English equivalent is 'a wolf in sheep's clothing', which the speaker prefers as a more descriptive image for hidden malice.

Australian Idiom

• 00:05:55 The Australian English idiom 'a kangaroo loose in the top paddock' means that someone is a bit odd or crazy. This idiom is unique to Australia, highlighting the nation's connection to kangaroos. The speaker finds it a perfect example of how idioms can be unique to a certain language variation or region due to cultural relevance and local imagery.