Author Archives: gboyd

How To Unscrew A Bolt

Nationality: American
Age: 59
Occupation: Psychology Professor
Residence: Forest Falls, CA
Language: English

Text:

“Lefty loosey, righty tighty.”

Context:

Informant, KB, stated that he learned this saying from his dad, who often used tools and did handiwork for the family. KB said that one would say this phrase “to someone when they are putting a wrench on a bolt and they’re not sure which way to turn it to loosen it.”

Analysis:

This proverb provides practical guidance on unscrewing bolts or screws. It is especially memorable because it is succinct and utilizes rhyming and alliteration. This phrase might be used more commonly in parenting or mentoring contexts, in which the listener is just learning to use wrenches or screwdrivers for some kind of mechanical project or task.

Don’t shit where you eat

Nationality: Ghanian-Nigerian
Age: 20
Occupation: Freelance Color Designer
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Language: English

Text:

“Don’t shit where you eat.”

Context:

The informant, OB, says they first heard the phrase from a Black female podcaster who analyzed stories about dating posted by users on the “Am I the Asshole” forum on Reddit. This forum is where people may seek advice on complex life situation and outside opinions on whether their actions were morally acceptable or not. OB said they had used the phrase earlier in the day when a friend told them they should try dating their future coworkers at their prospective workplace.

Analysis:

In the context it was used, this proverb likens dating (especially of the dramatic variety) in an inappropriate setting to defecating on one’s own dining table. Engaging in romantic or sexual relationships at work that have the potential to end badly could bring unnecessary unpleasantness, especially if it is tied to one’s means of earning a living.

Always Bring a Litter Bag

Nationality: American
Age: 59
Occupation: Psychology Professor
Residence: Forest Falls, CA
Language: English

Text:

“‘Always –‘ no wait, it was ‘Never –‘ no, wait, it was… ‘Always take a litter bag in your car. When it gets full, you can just toss it out the window.'”

Context:

When I had originally asked the informant, KB, if he knew any proverbs, he grinned and recited this one to me. KB was paraphrasing American comedian and actor Steve Martin. The original quote is:

“I studied with the Maharishi for many years, and really didn’t learn that much. But one thing that he taught me, I’ll never forget: ‘ALWAYS…’ no, wait– ‘NEVER…’ no, wait, it was ‘ALWAYS take a litter bag in your car. It doesn’t take up much room, and if it gets full, you can toss it out the window.'”

Analysis:

This is an anti-proverb and meant to be humorous on multiple levels. The original quote, as performed by Steve Martin, plays on the audience’s expectations of hearing a wise guru’s advice, to instead receive the apparent recommendation to litter. KB’s recitation of the quote subverted my own expectations of hearing a regular proverb. We also have a shared knowledge of Steve Martin’s comedy acts, so he knew I would understand the reference.

If it were to be performed as a regular proverb, KB suggested, “You would say this proverb when you’re in a car with your friend and there’s trash on the uh… on the floorboard, and you’re doggin’ him about the trash in his car.”

Don’t Wake Sleeping Dogs

Nationality: American
Age: 59
Occupation: Psychology Professor
Residence: Forest Falls, CA
Language: English

Text:

“Let sleeping dogs lie.”

Context:

This proverb was performed during a hockey game in the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. It was the third (and final) period of the game, and the Kings (an American team based in Los Angeles) were losing to the Canucks (A Canadian team based in Vancouver) two to zero. During a stoppage in between plays, one Kings player started to nudge a Canucks player. This turned into a scuffle, and the audience roared with excitement.

“That’s got the Kings all fired up,” remarked the informant, who was rooting for the Canucks to win. “You don’t wanna wake ’em up — you gotta let sleeping dogs lie.”

Analysis:

When asked for his interpretation of the proverb within the context of its performance, the informant explained: “The team that’s behind is kind of low energy, just kinda lagging. But if you mock them and disrespect them, then it could add extra angry energy and get them playing a lot better with the increased motivation to defend their honor.”

The use of this proverb compared the team, and by extension, the fans, to dogs who could become aggressive at any moment if provoked. At the game, the rivalry existed on multiple levels — the teams themselves competing to win, the fans vying for their team and against the other team and its corresponding fans, and the competing national identities of Canada and the United States. The undertones of national rivalry were especially strong in the political moment, following the election of Donald Trump in the United States and his ensuing statements on international policy.

Rock Climbing Safety

Nationality: American
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Language: English

Text:

“Dude on rock?”

“Rock on dude.”

Context:

The informant, TG, is originally from San Jose and grew up rock climbing at summer camp as a teenager. He explained that rock climbers must go through a safety procedure before they begin climbing. After all of the gear is properly equipped, the climber has a verbal exchange with person belaying them (this person controls the rope slack and tension to ensure the climber does not fall) that typically goes like this:

Climber: “On belay?”

Belayer: “Belay on.”

Climber: “Climbing.”

Belayer: “Climb on.”

[Climber begins climbing.]

TG said that this exchange is important because it signals that both people are ready and actively engaged to ensure proper safety. “Dude on rock?” / “Rock on dude” is a playful variation of this, and would take place immediately after “On belay?” / “Belay on.”

Analysis:

Rock climbing is an activity that comes with the inherent risk of serious injury. TG suggested that fun riffs on these safety procedures help the climbers to feel more casual and relaxed. The phrase is also a play on words, with rock’s double meanings as a solid mineral and as a music genre. Furthermore, TG grew up in close proximity to San Francisco, which was notable for its psychedelic rock and hippie culture during the 1960’s and 1970’s — hence the influence of the phrase “Rock on!”