10 funny and untranslatable expressions from around the world
Languages are full of amusing expressions, some of which are totally incomprehensible to a foreigner. Some are so colorful that they have no exact equivalent in other languages. Get ready for an unusual linguistic journey with 10 untranslatable (and hilarious) expressions!
- “To have a frog in one’s throat” (🇬🇧 English) – To have a frog in one’s throat?!
In English, having a “frog in your throat” means having a hoarse voice or difficulty speaking. Nothing to do with a real stuck amphibian!
- “Tomber dans les pommes” (🇫🇷 French) – But where’s the fruit?
The French don’t “faint”, they “faint”. The exact origin is unclear, but the image is striking!
- “Det er ugler i mosen” (🇩🇰 Danish) – Are there owls in the moss?
No, it’s not a children’s story. This expression means there’s something fishy or suspicious in the air.
- “Avere gli occhi foderati di prosciutto” (🇮🇹 Italian) – To have one’s eyes covered with ham
If an Italian says that to you, it’s not an invitation to a picnic. It means you’re completely blind to an obvious situation.
- “Ik ben niet van gisteren” (🇳🇱 Dutch) – I’m not from yesterday
It’s also found in French, but the Dutch often use it to say they’re not naïve.
- “Katzenjammer (🇩🇪 German) – The “cat’s meow” after a night of drinking
A perfect word to describe a hangover. After a night of drinking, you’re in for a good “Katzenjammer”!
- “Teef maar jala” (🇮🇳 Hindi) – Let the tea go!
In India, this expression means not worrying about unimportant things.
- “Pegar un buen pollo” (🇪🇸 Spanish) – To catch a good chicken
In Spain, that means… making a huge scene or shouting at someone! We’re not sure what the chicken has to do with it…
- “Att glida in på en räkmacka” (🇸🇪 Swedish) – Slip on a shrimp sandwich
In Sweden, if someone “slips on a shrimp sandwich”, it means they get something without effort.
Conclusion
At CLL, our trainers are ready to help you discover the richness of their language and share these fascinating and unique expressions! Learning these expressions also means discovering a part of a country’s culture. Which one is your favorite? 🌍😆