Three biggest lies...Las tres mentiras más grandes

Question

When I came to Mexico to live five years ago I noticed certain cultural differences and as a result I formulated a joke about the three biggest lies that Mexicans use. Today a friend said something to me and my stepson that caused me to modify my top three. So here they are (as revised):

1. Mañana (tomorrow never comes)
2. Voy (Yes, I am coming but it may be a few hours more)
3. Yo casi no tomo (This friend is a borderline alcoholic)

Before number three was "un rato más".

La tres mentiras - francobollo, Oct 28, 2012

Good one, Gringojrf! - rac1, Oct 28, 2012

Answer 1

The top three lies I've heard here in Guatemala ....

• Voy a llegar en diez minutos (It's more like 30 minutes when I'm waiting at a restaurant, store, bus stop)

• Es fácil. Yo puedo hacerlo (Not really--he has no idea how to do it, e.g., fix the fridge)

• Está muy cerca (No, it's not really close by...it's four miles to the next gas station!)

Very good ones. - gringojrf, Oct 28, 2012

The truth is that is some parts of the world time is not measured by clocks! - Jubilado, Oct 28, 2012

Answer 2

1. The check is in the mail. - El cheque está en el correo.

2. Money isn't important to me at all. - El dinero no es importante para mí en absoluto.

3. Of course that dress doesn't make you look fat, honey. - Por supuesto que el vestido no te hace ver gorda, cariño.

4. Please hold and someone will be with you shortly. - Por favor, mantenga y alguien estará con usted en breve.

There is a TV commercial here in La Paz that is precisely about #3. - gringojrf, Oct 28, 2012

That one must be one of the greatest, jeje - rac1, Oct 28, 2012

Answer 3

I will tell you the truth. Te diré la verdad.

Honest! ¡En serio!

No! I will! No! ¡Lo haré!

Answer 4

I like the answer to all these wonderful promises:

¡Amanecerá y veremos!

The morning will dawn and we will see!

Answer 5

I had a great time, you should have come! = It was horrible, I just wanted to make you jealous.

Me divertí mucho, ¡deberías haber venido! = Fue horrible, solo quería darte celos.

Yes, a very, very good one! - annierats, Oct 28, 2012

In fact, my vote of the day. - annierats, Oct 28, 2012

Answer 6

1 En inglés' We'll ring you'.

LLamaremos. 

2 it's easy to find, you can't go wrong..

   Sí, se busca con facilidad..

Sorry about the typing,I tried to put numbers in.. - annierats, Oct 28, 2012

Answer 7

Las cuatro mentiras más comunes que he escuchado:

1. Préstame $100 que te los pago el martes

2. No te va a costar más de $200 arreglar esto. Vete tranquilo.

3. Si te digo la verdad, te miento (A paradox, which is just a blatant lie)

4. Te quiero cantidad y me quedo corto (very popular among Cubans in Florida).

Popeye and Bluto: I will gladly pay ou Tuesday for a hamburger today. - gringojrf, Oct 28, 2012