Translation of "sour grapes"
"Envidia" to me at least does not give the element of unreasonableness and the concept of a chip on your shoulder which the English expression has, I believe.
Any comments ?
Gracias. Gràcies.
7 Answers
"Sour grapes" is an expression from the Bible which was derived from a Jewish proverb.
It is quoted in Ezekiel 18:2-
"What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge'? - ESV
O en español-
¿Qué pensáis vosotros, los que usáis este refrán sobre la tierra de Israel, que dice: Los padres comieron las uvas agrias, y los dientes de los hijos tienen la dentera? -RVR 1960
And again in Jeremiah 31:28-30-
28And it shall come to pass that(A) as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring harm, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, declares the LORD. 29In those days they shall no longer say: "'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.' 30But everyone shall die for his own sin. Each man who eats sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge. -ESV
Y en español-
28 Y así como tuve cuidado de ellos para arrancar y derribar, y trastornar y perder y afligir, tendré cuidado de ellos para edificar y plantar, dice Jehová. 29 En aquellos días no dirán más: Los padres comieron las uvas agrias y los dientes de los hijos tienen la dentera, 30 sino que cada cual morirá por su propia maldad; los dientes de todo hombre que comiere las uvas agrias, tendrán la dentera. - RVR 1960
To answer those who asked for a context, it is as follows:
“…lots of bad sportsmanship and sour grapes on the part of José Mourinho; so much so that it´s not worth listening to him…”
BBC Radio 4 “Today programme” 28th April 2011 08:30 BST
I don´t think, however that this time the context really alters the general meaning.
Paradoxically, for once the biblical translation (which is of course literal) doesn´t help either, I feel, because the expression is now a standard idiomatic-expression in British English.
In my initial request I alluded to a chip on your shoulder which probably tells you more about [my attitude to] "the special one" (and his penchant for special pleading) whereas the general meaning is I perceive a negative judgement clouded by an earlier negative outcome in the same context.
I have been toying with mala leche but perceive that as too general and fixed without the clouding of judgement in this case due to earlier adversity.
Perhaps mala leche por el resultado would serve here; though a bit context-specific.
Many thanks for the earlier replies. Please don´t interpret my rejection of them as rejection of your unstinted and unpaid efforts.
Muchas gracias. Moltes gràcies.
Muchas gracias a todos.
Frank,
Mala leche sounds like a winner to me! Pretty strong, but that seems to be what you are looking for!
“…lots of bad sportsmanship and sour grapes on the part of José Mourinho; so much so that it´s not worth listening to him…”
Wow, this BBC guy is taking a mouth full here
Mourinho has not yet shown a bad gesture towards anybody.
However, that was not your question
mucho "no saber perder" y envidia cochina departe de .......tanto es así que no merece la pena escucharlo
Hi, Frank,
Goyo gave a wonderful historical background for the expression.
In these days "sour grapes" has been defined by some of the following synonyms;
bad-mouthing, derogation, disappointment,
disparagement, ill-will, resentment
As Heidita said, it would depend on the context, but perhaps a Spanish translation of any of the synonyms above would suit your purpose.
HI Frank, I have been thinking about this....however, if you can provide the context you want to use this in, we will be able to assist you much better
Welcome to the forum
