Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app

Continue in app Continue in browser

4Kviews

Hey Pandas, What’s A Saying In Your Language That You Think Others Should Have Too? (Closed)

Like we have Maanantaikappale. I'll explain it in the comments. Its straight translation is something made on Monday. Meaning something that is a defective item.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

German: "Herr lass es Hirn regnen" - "Lord, let it rain brains" in case somebody does or says something stupid.

Optinal addition: "Oder Steine, hauptsache du triffst" - "Or bricks, doesn't matter as long as you hit"

Final score:

31points

RafCo (he/him/ele) 1 year ago

This is fantastic.

8points

View more comments

#2

From Texas: Fixin' too. It means I'm getting myself ready to get ready to do something.

Final score:

26points

valyn 1 year ago

Why downvotes? Have an upvote and the remark that we use this in NC too

14points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#3

"Not my circus; not my monkeys"
An American English saying that means: "I'm not responsible for it, so I'm not going to stress over it."

Final score:

23points

Esme Weatherwax 1 year ago

Polish in origin

9points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#4

"Whatchamacallit" and "Thing-a-magig" are pretty useful ones, especially when you don't know what something is. I don't know if non-native English speakers use it/if there's some equivalent but it's really useful.

"Bless your heart" is also a very Southern saying that I'm not entirely sure even translates to regular English. Just a heads up, it is not a compliment. You have pissed off a Southerner, or they think you're stupid.

Final score:

18points

Mis Stake she/her 🇫🇮🇬🇧 1 year ago

Whatchamacallit is a word if definitely heard my British family use

6points

View more comments

#5

Maanantaikappale. Its straight translation is something made on Monday. Meaning something that is a defective item. Its referring to the common belief that products made on Monday are of lower than average quality.

Final score:

16points

Mis Stake she/her 🇫🇮🇬🇧

Rinso the Red 1 year ago

Hah! Where I'm from, we always assumed defective items were made on a Friday because everyone was burnt out by then and rushing to get done for the week.

9points

View More Replies...

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#6

I'm not a native French speaker, but I love the phrase, "C'est pas tes oignons!" The direct translation is, "These aren't your onions!" but idiomatically, it means, "Mind your own business," and not in a polite way. (My dad was a professor of foreign languages, mainly French and German.)

Final score:

16points

Apatheist Account2 1 year ago

Yet in English we have "to know your onions", meaning to be knowledgeable. What is it with onions?

6points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#7

"Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu." A zulu saying meaning, I am who I am because of other people. It is to acknowledge that we are not self-made but rather we owe a lot to others; they support us and we support them. It is the founding principle of the philosophy of ubuntu, that is, sharing and helping each other. Its name has been used for the free Linux distribution popularised by our own Mark Shuttleworth. Here's a song version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW2E9HP5mc4

Final score:

16points

censorshipsucks

Glengoolie Blue 1 year ago

I don't think it's fair to blame other people for the disaster I turned out to be.

0points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#8

phonetically: sadeeg a’gil khair min a’dou jahil, in Arabic it means that a clever enemy is better than a stupid freind. (‏‏‏عدو عاقل خير من صديق جاهل )

Final score:

11points

Ione Alva-wies 1 year ago

Arabic is a beautiful language

2points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

#9

Finnish: Kalsarikännit: "Underweardrunk" To get drunk at home in your underwear.
also related is: Välikuolema! "in-between death" To pas out during a long drinking session, waking up and continuing. this is the little "in-between death"

Final score:

10points

Mis Stake she/her 🇫🇮🇬🇧

Queen Mab 1 year ago

I'm not German but there is a great German word (that I can't remember ) that basically means "a face that deserves a slap."

2points

View more comments

#10

"They don't have a pot to pi$$ in or a window to throw it out of" - a person who is lacking resources.

Final score:

10points

Seamus Crumley 1 year ago

'I haven't got two pennies to rub together' is what we say (Ireland again)

7points

View more comments

#11

"Like a fart in a mitten". Newfoundlander phrase meaning that the truth will get out no matter how hard you try to hide it will be let out sometime.

Final score:

9points

Mis Stake she/her 🇫🇮🇬🇧 1 year ago

In Finnland we have "Kadota kuin pieru saharaan". To disappear like a fart in the Sahara desert. Means something that disappears easily/quickly

4points

View more comments

#12

"All hat and no cattle." It's a phrase in Texas and the southwestern US that means a person who talks big, but doesn't have anything to back it up.

Final score:

7points

WednesdayAddams'HashbrownOrder

CrazyKnitter 1 year ago

I've heard this in NC, but really only in the more rural areas. There's lots of farmland here (or there was, the city is expanding a lot)

1point

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#13

caddywumpus indicates something is not quite right. Hairball or train wreck is a situation not going well. Also the classic SNAFU - Situation Normal All Fouled Up & FUBAR - Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition. (note "Fouled" is often replaced by a different word that also begins with an "F"

Final score:

6points

Seamus Crumley 1 year ago

Ireland = F*** this

1point

#14

Welsh: Hiraeth "especially in the context of Wales or Welsh culture) deep longing for a home you can never return to, or one that was never yours "

https://www.google.com/search?q=Hiraeth+definition&client=ms-android-oppo-rvo3&hl=en&prmd=ivn&sxsrf=APwXEdfSGWjCsRzc365xpImqQRwMyrO61A:1680119703653&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjr6fbQ9YH-AhWColwKHUVgCVEQ_AUIHygB&biw=400&bih=738&dpr=1.8&safe=active&ssui=on (for better descriptions)

Final score:

5points

Barbara Kelly 1 year ago

sad, that!

0points

#15

"Fart But Be Happy"
It's Marathi (I can't write it), and it means to do anything but be happy with the result.

Final score:

5points

MicrowaveGoddess

Bardhi's Dad 1 year ago

I like that

2points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

#16

Irish: Go raibh meas ag comharsana ort, go dtabharfadh trioblóid faillí ort, go gcosnaíonn na haingil thú, agus go nglacfadh Neamh leat.(May neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and Heaven accept you,)

Final score:

4points

dead :-l inside

Seamus Crumley 1 year ago

99.99% of Irish people would not have a clue how to pronounce that. Never even heard the phrase in English either. You are much more likely to here this from us, "Good luck and have a bit of craic" Craic is pronounced crack - not a drug, but a word for a good time.

1point

#17

Not my language and not my first submission, but I learned this one from an Australian TV show: "We're not here to make love to spiders" or the more crude version of that. I lost my s**t laughing.

Honorable mention: "Well f**k me sideways"

Final score:

4points

#18

English we have...uh......break a leg? no......cat got your tongue? eh...break the ice?

WHY ARE ENGLISH IDIOMS ALL VIOLENCE

Final score:

3points

Ashen Mccann (They/Them) (Submission author) 1 year ago

break a leg means good luck, mostly used in musical theater because it means to get in the "cast" cat got your tongue is for when your speechless, to break the ice means to break an awkward moment, thats why questions to ask people to start a conversation are called icebreakers, these are so common i know but i had a friend who was from another country and they didnt know any of these

6points

View more comments

#19

"Στον πού@$ο μου λουλούδια, και γύρω γύρω μέλισσες:::"
Translating as "There are flowers and bees around mi d!Ck"
Meaning: "I don't give a sh!t" in.... Greek!!!!

Final score:

3points

Noppy Paraskeva

Timbob 1 year ago

Yes, YES , I can see the connection !

1point

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#20

Je can de boss neit zein door de boemen, it means that you can't see the forest for the trees

Final score:

3points

Sage da therian

#21

French: "Ça ne vaut pas un pet de lapin": it"s not worth a rabbit's fart" meaning it's not not worth it or doesn't worth much

Final score:

3points

Öz Deniz Boro 1 year ago

Keyif. Pronounced just as it is. It is mostly a Mediteranian concept. Somewhat like slow living and cooling off but ultimately doing what you enjoy by yourself. Enjoying yourself or cooling off does not cover it. You deliberately create the time and environtment to have keyif in for the utmost relaxation and enjoyment.

2points

#22

This isn't really a language based saying a much as a regional one. My grandfather was from Barbados and used to always say, 'don't have race horse ride jack-a*s' . It essentially meant 'sometimes you have to do the best with what you have, you won't always have the best things and we'll need to be resourceful but if you set your mind to something you can make what you have work for you.

Final score:

2points

Hales M (Submission author) 1 year ago (edited)

Thank you BP for your continued censorship of a word that is acceptably said on pre-teen tv. Also *will

3points

View more comments

#23

"Ghupft wia gsprunga" - "No matter what option you pick the result will be the same"

Final score:

2points

Keksoli (Submission author) 1 year ago

I uses two different words for jump, that mean the same in english. Cant really translate it since both words are jump in english so it doesnt make any sense.

2points

View more comments

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#24

Saying from Spain. My grandmother says it all the time. "Para tirar cohetes". It translates to " to throw rockets" it means something is really good. For example if you really like a dish you can say" that dish was worth throwing rockets "
It sounds way better in Spanish.

Final score:

2points

Bookworm(she/her)

#25

Finnish: Sataa kuin Esterin perseestä – "To rain like from Ester’s a*s" Meaning its raining a lot.

Final score:

1point

Mis Stake she/her 🇫🇮🇬🇧

Bisexual Axolotls 1 year ago

Would this be similar to "It's raining cats and dogs"?

6points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#26

Crazy is as crazy does

Final score:

1point

Dawn Passamichalis

Seamus Crumley 1 year ago

Irish translation - Ya mad F***er

0points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#27

Argentinian: "BOLUDO" It is used to insult, to affectionately call a friend, to show surprise.

Final score:

1point

Carolina Massei

claudia_nagy103 1 year ago

Oida.

0points

#28

I know that in Spanish, "bobo" means "fool" I know someone who's Cuban and uses it a lot to the jackasses at our school

Final score:

1point

Queen Mab 1 year ago

Great word that is now going to be used often by me.

0points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#29

I'm not a world traveler and from the U.S. If you're on the back of a motorcycle, you're said to be, "riding b***h". Cause that's what bikers call their woman and it's usually who rides on the back. But, whether male or female, if on the back you're riding b***h. This female doesn't apply, I drive my own motorcycle.

Final score:

1point

Vermontah 1 year ago

I guess I knew nicer bikers. drink, party, all that but no disrespect for anyone in the group. We were friends off the bike though. What's your ride? We had harley then a Victory

0points

View More Replies...

View more comments

#30

Haggerty and Hennessy. Tempted not to explain. However, years ago in the New York Times Sunday magazine Bill Safire mentioned that it is pretty well known that Goodbye is a contraction of God be with you but it is less well-known that it only took one generation to make the switch. Those days it was common to part with the words have a good day hence haggerty. Later, people changed to have a good day hence Hennessy. Aren't you glad you asked?

Final score:

1point

Onion Patch Petunia

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

cool!

0points

View more comments

#31

My grandfather used to say: do you walk to school or carry your lunch? Meaning: are you mixed up, confused? He also used to make up words. Dilfarge = an unknown. Example: what's that dilfarge on your shirt?

Final score:

1point

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#32

I worked with a guy that if you asked what is that? and he didn't know he would say"Don't put yer lips on it". If he didn't know someone's name he would say "Yo face, c'mere" and sigh "marone" (bollocks)

Final score:

1point

#33

in Dutch:
Het zal mij aan mijn reet roesten -
that will rust my @ss
= I don't give a sht

Final score:

1point

Paul Scheermeijer

#34

Not really a saying but a word. In Spanish, we have a word for someone from the US without having to say American. The word is “estadounidense” and is literally “someone from the US”

Final score:

0points

Seamus Crumley 1 year ago

Everywhere else, I think the word is, 'Yank'

1point

View more comments

Mis Stake she/her 🇫🇮🇬🇧

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

Gabrielė Malukaitė

Hi there! I'm Gabrielė, but you can also catch me responding to Gab, Gabi, Gabert, or Gabe – take your pick. Professionally, I'm the senior community manager over at Bored Panda, helping people share their awesome work and connecting artists with a worldwide audience. Beyond work, you'll catch me traveling, listening to vinyl and diving into movies, art exhibitions, and concerts. I'm a culture buff at heart, always eager to explore and embrace the richness of the human experience.

Hi there! I'm Gabrielė, but you can also catch me responding to Gab, Gabi, Gabert, or Gabe – take your pick. Professionally, I'm the senior community manager over at Bored Panda, helping people share their awesome work and connecting artists with a worldwide audience. Beyond work, you'll catch me traveling, listening to vinyl and diving into movies, art exhibitions, and concerts. I'm a culture buff at heart, always eager to explore and embrace the richness of the human experience.

What do you think ?

VodkaInMySweetTea 1 year ago

I also love the southern US phrase "Lord willing and the creek don't rise" when making plans. It means, barring any unexpected events. I'm planning to be there, but let's acknowledge that life gets in the way sometimes. "I'll see you on Monday - Lord willing, and the creek don't rise."

1point

VodkaInMySweetTea 1 year ago

I've always loved the Hungarian word "tessék". It's so versatile and there's nothing like it in English. I've heard it used as: excuse me, you go first, come again?, welcome, can I help you?, would you please?, here you go, help yourself, you may begin, and get out of my car (when used by a taxi driver).

1point

VodkaInMySweetTea 1 year ago

I also love the southern US phrase "Lord willing and the creek don't rise" when making plans. It means, barring any unexpected events. I'm planning to be there, but let's acknowledge that life gets in the way sometimes. "I'll see you on Monday - Lord willing, and the creek don't rise."

1point

VodkaInMySweetTea 1 year ago

I've always loved the Hungarian word "tessék". It's so versatile and there's nothing like it in English. I've heard it used as: excuse me, you go first, come again?, welcome, can I help you?, would you please?, here you go, help yourself, you may begin, and get out of my car (when used by a taxi driver).

1point

Back to Homepage

More about Ask Pandas

Next in Ask Pandas

Related on Bored Panda

Related on Bored Panda

Trending on Bored Panda

Also on Bored Panda