Friday, 14 October 2011 15:14
Arrastrao!. Photo courtesy of logoshirt.blogspot.com
Like almost everyone on this planet, in addition to sayings, those born on the island frequently use (in colloquial language) slang and idioms, always with wit and dynamic freshness, typical of popular voice. But, in our case, the language is constantly renewed with acute national observation and reflection.
The origin of some of the phrases is difficult to pin down, perhaps they are from Spain or different African regions. Also, there are some of Latin origin (like "ex profeso," "a priori," and "a posteriori"), but, what's certain, is that all have a part in forming our idiosyncrasy.
What Cuban doesn't use the phrase "ahogarse en un vaso de agua" (drowning in a glass of water) or "bailar con la más fea" (dancing with the ugliest) when referring to a not so serious situation or when we're taking on a trickier challenge?
To clarify a highly complex problem, or an indescribable personality, we simply say, "más torcido que un bejuco" (more twisted than a vine). Popular speech provides some interesting parallels: For us, a dragon is a mythological animal that breathes out fire, as well as people with halitosis. Vomit is a rejected substance of the body, as well as a "sangrona" (a nuisance) which we also call a "hígado" (a liver). A "baba" for a Cuban is not only thick saliva, but also tedious speech, unconvincing and repetitive. "Guataca" is a short hoe, but also indicates a menial person, fawning, or when mentioning ears, especially big ones. Mango is a tree and also a fruit, as well as a part of a tool or utensil; but Cubans use it to describe someone (male or female) beautiful, desirable, perfect, as is the pulpy fruit.
These expressions come up daily in our folk art: We can see both in guaracha texts and sounds, such as in stories, poems and theatrical works among others. They seek to better transmit their message, reflecting both daily work and life.
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