Category Archives: Folk speech

Hang around the barbershop and you’ll end up with a haircut

Nationality: American
Age: 50
Occupation: Home Renovator
Residence: Los Angeles
Language: English

Text:

Hang around the barbershop and you’ll end up with a haircut

Context:

My informant likely learned through American television shows, as the informant moved to America in his teenage years. The informant frequently says this to his children, especially when it comes to warning them about spending too much time with people who are not a good influence. In particular, he uses it to warn his daughters not to spend too much time with guys who would not be a good boyfriend, because he feels that the more time you spend with someone, the harder it will be to not develop feelings or forming a relationship. My informant changes the way he says this phrase occasionally, with the addition or omission of a few words, but the sentiment remains the same. 

Analysis:

The exact origin of this saying is unknown. It is typically used as a form of advice, warning people about the company they keep or the environments they put themselves in. This saying would likely be most appropriate in culture where people are taught to be wary of their surroundings. Barbershops are where men go to get a haircut, therefore going to the barbershop and not getting a haircut is seen as unlikely and illogical. The proverb warns individuals that even if you think you are immune to being influenced or changed by your surroundings, spending more time will increase your chance of such. While the connotation is typically negative or used to scare people, it can possibly be used in a positive manner to encourage persistence at a certain task or goal.

That’s not my cup of tea

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

Text:

That’s not my cup of tea

Context:

The informant uses this phrase typically when talking about something that someone did or an object that they do not like. She is not sure where she developed it from, but it is a relatively common saying. 

Analysis:

This idiom originated from Britain in the early 20th century. It is used to convey that you are not interested in something or simply to convey preference. It is likely used in English speaking countries or cultures where enjoying a cup of tea is common or expected, therefore referring to something as “not being your cup of tea” would convey to others that you dislike something without saying it overtly.

Not my first rodeo

Nationality: American
Age: 27
Occupation: Business Operations at Financial Tech Company
Residence: Los Angeles
Language: English

Text:

Not my first rodeo

Context:

The informant frequently says this when he is able to guess the outcome of a certain situation or story without being told. He heard this phrase in 2014 from the owner of a music shop that he frequented. It was used to convey that he had adequate experience in the field and had encountered stuff before.

Analysis:

 This idiom comes from the 1981 film “Mommie Dearest”, although the phrase is understood by most Americans who are adults. Rodeos are a part of American culture where individuals would compete in equestrian sports. It is used to convey that someone has had adequate experience, is competent, and not naive. People may use it when talking about participating in certain activities or predicting certain outcomes. v

It takes two to tango

Nationality: American
Age: 50
Occupation: Home Renovator
Residence: Los Angeles
Language: English

Text:

It takes two to tango

Context:

The informant believes he heard this phrase on American television several decades ago. He uses this to comment on situations in which both parties seem to be at blame. He uses this proverb often as a teaching moment for being vigilant when driving in order to avoid a car wreck.

Analysis:

This phrase is a common idiom that is often used when discussing how two parties are equally responsible for the outcome of a certain situation. It is likely a know phrase in cultures with adequate knowledge of tango and the fact that it is a style of dance that requires two people to participate. An individual can apply this saying to anything they deem fit, although it is usually used in the context of something bad that happened. It also can be used when something requires more than one person to complete.

‘You can’t put each foot into 2 separate canoes/boats for long without falling into the water’

Text: ‘You can’t put each foot into 2 separate canoes/boats for long without falling into the water’ (Loosely Translated from Chinese)

Context: The subject’s mother, an immigrant who was born and raised in China through her 20s, used to tell her this, especially when the subject was a young adult carving out her place in the world.

“The point being you must focus on pursuing one path/interest instead of trying to do too many things at once and not doing anything well. (Or dating too many people at once!) That’s why she said it all the time because it was applicable to so many situations.” – SK

Analysis: Based on the subject’s description, this proverb seems to be used as a reminder that one ought to stay focused on what is most important to them. Those who say it are expounding the virtue that the pursuit of excellence requires a singular dedication and that trying to “balance” multiple paths will prevent success. As the subject indicated, it was widely applicable and widely used. This suggests to me that it represents a very prevalent idea about the pursuit of success in Chinese culture.

This saying is like the antithesis to the popular English proverb “don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” which cautions Westerners against the dangers of over-commitment. This saying is very popular in the Western world and reveals a lot about how we aspire to live our lives, especially when it comes to chasing success.Perhaps these differences in common proverbs and their associated virtues indicate a divide around how different cultures view this path to success; Chinese culture prioritizes singular dedication to one’s goals and Western culture prioritizes flexibility in options.