Colloquialisms

Question

Hello

Many words and idioms are used in one or more, but not all, Spanish-speaking countires. May we assume that the idioms presented with the "Word of the Day" have general application in all (or most) Spanish-speaking countries? Or is this site pretty much confined to the Spanish of one country, such as Mexico?

Thanks JT

Answer 1

Jay, the dictionary on this site lists some idioms when you look up a particular word. I personally do not use idioms in Spanish. I have a hard enough time communicating in simple indicative sentences. But I wouldn't assume an idiom is used until I hear a native speaker use it in the area.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Whenever I try to use an idiom to answer the word or picture of the day

I get it horribly wrong , it is like trying to dance the' Polka " with one leg.

I find idioms are culturally specific , and do not cross ethnic boundaries too well.

If that don't beat a hen apeckin' That's LA speak. (lower Alabama) haha - dc-alien-z, Apr 8, 2011

Well cousin, thats right neighbourly of you ,Aint never been to LA but I am a visitin mah deah ladah friend in northern Louisiana this year , so Ah may pick up a word or three, thang is Ahm a quick larner cous. - ray76, Apr 8, 2011

Answer 3

Idioms and slang in any language change with time and region. A large part of their purpose is to create a group identity and keep outsiders out. For teenagers, outsiders includes people from their parents' generation. For kids in gangs, outsiders means everybody else.

Very true Lorenzo:) - FELIZ77, Apr 8, 2011

's wat I is sayin' bra! - afowen, Apr 8, 2011

Answer 4

J

I doubt it. Make a parallel with English, and how colloquialisms vary with geography and social group. Whilst there may be some that are universal in whatever language, I doubt that many posters can vouch for the world-wideosity of their posted phrases, nor even bear in mind cosas así when posting.

Alex

"world-wideosity..." I love it!!! - pesta, Apr 8, 2011

Well I get so terribly frustrated by the limitations of the English language (in faux British aristocracy accent). - afowen, Apr 8, 2011

Answer 5

Idioms tend to be regionally specific and do not translate well between areas. That is, they tend to be colloquialisms that hold meaning for the people in that area. The other danger is that even when the expression is used in a different country it may mean something different for the people of another Spanish Speaking country. Verbs such as coger should not be used in expressions in Mexico as they can be considered offensive!

Like Ray I have found that when translating phrases for Word of the day most idioms and puns do not translate well between English and Spanish. The Spanish have their own expressions and even when they have a similar expression to the one used in English-speaking countries there is no usually direct equivalen!

An example of this is when English people might want to say

It's raining cats and dogs (meaning it is raining heavily/it's pouring down with rain!)

You could not say: está lloviendo perros y gatos

The phrase: to rain cats and dogs = Llueve a cántaros

But, if it is actually raining cats and dogs now you could say:

Está lloviendo a cántaros

I hope that helps

Heck i like it, gatos y perros , - pacofinkler, Apr 8, 2011