Friday, July 16, 2010

Flashback Friday: Words


What sort of sayings, colloquialisms, or proverbs did your family say when you were growing up? When were they used? What do you find yourself saying that you vowed you would never say? What do you say that drives your kids nuts? Is there a regional aspect to your speech? Do you have an accent and were you ever teased about it?

I was at my Mother's when I read this week's prompt, so I asked her what she remembered. She said that when she knew thought us kids were lying not being truthful, she would quote "Hablad verdad cada cual con su projimo." ("Speak the truth to each other")


I then asked whether that worked brought out the true story. She thought so.

While visiting Dad at the Health Center during lunch, Mother commented that his nose drips often. Somehow that unwanted dribble reminded me of what we used to say to alert someone that they needed to wipe their face or chin. "Mr. Jones is at the door."

I'm sure my brothers will remember many more.

Girls in Argentina or Spain have certain sayings to communicate with one another about their monthly condition: "My aunt or unwanted friend is visiting."

The Spanish language is replete with proverbs, one for every imaginable situation. I love that about the Hispanic culture. Although I am considered bilingual, I have often felt deficient in that area, unable to respond with a saying for whatever circumstance.

I am asking my family members to comment and respond to some of the questions posed by Mocha With Linda.

A few words about words, or the lack thereof. I was thinking this week about the nourishing effect of conversation. When days go by where hubby and I are unable to conversate (is that a verb?), for a variety of reasons, I seem to wilt, grow quiet, even feel shunned. It could be that words are my love language.

When words fail, actions speak. How do you like this show of affection?


"Scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."

We saw these ponies at the top of the hill overlooking Donostia.

Now a question for all about hurtful words. Can words hurt more than actions or is the "Sticks and stones may break my bones / But words will never hurt me." saying always true?

5 comments:

  1. Words definitely hurt!

    I enjoyed reading a flashback from a different culture.

    Regarding being bilingual: My sister who is a missionary in South America is bilingual, and what that means is she speaks neither English nor Spanish well! LOL

    Thanks for participating!

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  2. i would hv bn so confused being in another country...thx for the stories ;)

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  3. I really enjoyed reading this...I love "Mr. Jones is at the door"...I can imagine that one coming in handy.

    And yes, words hurt. But they can also heal.

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  4. Got a good chuckle out of this post! I often come across (or maybe up against?) a saying here and even when it is explained to me, I'm sometimes still confused. I think so many sayings are bound up in the culture and don't "translate" well outside of it.

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  5. I enjoyed reading your post. It's always fun to read about someone living somewhere else! I'll have to remember the Mr. Jones saying for future reference.

    Thanks for visiting my blog, and for leaving a comment, too. Yes, there did seem to be a lot of southerners participating on Friday--I would say you are extremely southern :) Hope to visit you again soon!

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