Author Archives: chchambe

Food God

Nationality: Malaysian

Primary Language: Malay

Other Language(s): English

Age: 21

Residence: Los Angeles

Text

“You’re not supposed to shake your legs while eating because it means you’re not enjoying your food, and instead you’re finding some sort of entertainment by shaking your legs. This angers the food god, and the food god will stop providing you with food.”

Context

This informant was born and raised in Malaysia, and they recently moved to the United States for university. He grew up being told not to shake his legs when at the dinner table.

Analysis

In this informant’s culture, they rely on gods to bring them wealth, health, and happiness, so the informant and his family put effort into pleasing those with authoritative power – which are, in many cases, the gods. In this specific instance, this superstitious taboo is used to keep children from moving around superfluously while they’re eating their meals. Although in some cases the “food god” might actually refer to the “food god”, in many cases, the “food god” is the parents. While it this superstition is spiritual in nature, it also has a utilitarian purpose: the fear of the gods serves a way for parents to discipline their children.

Post-Internet Roman Empire

Nationality: Indian

Primary Language: English

Other Language(s): N/A

Age: 21

Residence: Los Angeles

Text

“My Roman Empire is [something I think about a lot].”

Context

This informant is from Generation Z, and they use social media on a regular basis. They are also studying video games at USC, so they are very familiar with internet terminology.

Analysis

This phrase is a customizable proverb (and also, to some extent, a joke) that postdates the internet. A couple years ago, an internet trend where girlfriends asked their boyfriends how often they think about the Roman Empire went viral. Eventually, the proverb evolved from literally meaning people are thinking about the Roman Empire to simply something that has been on the person’s mind frequently, hence the phrase, “My Roman Empire is [something I think about a lot].” This internet proverb has an interesting way of connecting the past (Roman Empire) with the present (internet) and using it in a humorous context. The joke begins with the viral phrase “my Roman Empire is…” – a phrase many social media users are familiar with – and ends with something entirely unique to the speaker… something unexpected by the listener. This unpredictability gives the proverb potential to be humorous!

Dirty Broom

Nationality: American

Primary Language: English

Other Language(s): N/A

Age: 17

Residence: San Antonio

Text

“An old broom knows the dirty corners best.”

Context

This informant is my little sister. We lived in Texas, New Mexico, and Florida, but we are of Irish descent. We love digging deep into family history, and upon learning this was a popular phrase in Ireland, began using it regularly.

Analysis

This saying is a metaphor for age, knowledge, and the value of experience. The informant and I often use this saying when someone new enters our life and tries to change something that we believe shouldn’t be changed. For example, if there’s a new boss at work who fires a bunch of employees, we’ll say “an old broom knows the dirty corners best” in an almost spiteful way. Interestingly, this past-oriented way of thinking contradicts Dundes’ article discussing future orientation in American worldview. The dirty broom saying praises what is older and more experienced rather than what is deemed ‘newer’, ‘hotter’, or ‘better’ – it challenges novelty, something highly valued in American culture.

Longevity Noodles

Nationality: Chinese/Russian

Primary Language: Chinese, English

Other Language(s): N/A

Age: 22

Residence: Los Angeles

Text

“For birthdays, we like to celebrate by eating Yee Mein noodles because it’s like wishing someone a long and happy life! Because, y’know, the noodles are long.”

Context

This informant is Chinese/Russian and moved to Los Angeles when she was young. She celebrates family birthdays by eating Yee Mein noodles.

Analysis

This custom is celebrated by the informant and her Chinese family members. Eating long noodles is like wishing someone a long and happy life. In this tradition, there exists a very visual connection between the material and the spiritual. The custom is superstitious in nature. Noodles – a common food in the informant’s culture – are made special when they are physically longer than typical noodles. The difference in the physical constitution of the noodles symbolizes something new, different, and good. By celebrating this tradition on beloved family birthdays and wishing the birthday man or woman good fortune, celebrators are brought closer to one another on a spiritual and cultural level.

Cow Sinner

Nationality: Mexican/American

Primary Language: English

Other Language(s): Spanish

Age: 40

Residence: Los Angeles

Text

“Tanto peca el que mata la vaca como el que le agarra la pata.”

Translation

“He who kills the cow sins as much as he who grabs its leg.”

Context

This informant is Mexican/American – his father is from Mexico, and his mother is from the United States. He was born in Mexico, grew up in Los Angeles, stayed in Los Angeles, and visits Mexico for family visits. He was told this proverb by mentors growing up.

Analysis

This proverb means that if someone participated in a crime or something similar, it doesn’t matter to what extent, because he or she is also guilty. It’s a message about guilt and taking accountability for your actions, and it can be used as a warning or disciplinary phrase. Although the specific content refers to a small group of people killing a cow, when taken non-literally, the proverb also serves as a metaphor for group action, however large or small the undertaking. For example, this proverb can be applied to larger societal issues related to politics, religions, etc. Regardless of their specific role in the matter, anyone who takes part in something should be held responsible for the consequences.