Category Archives: Proverbs

Proverb – “Nunca digas mala suerte porque nunca sabes”

From Informant:

“ “nunca digas mala suerte porque nunca sabes” that’s a Spanish saying that translates to “never say bad luck because you never know”. It’s essentially telling you that you should never say your circumstances are bad because it could be a blessing in disguise. It’s something that most if not all hispanic parents say to their kids” 

Analysis:

Super interesting proverb. I was definitely told something similar as a kid. My parents would say that you can’t complain about your situation when so many other people have it so much worse and what you’re going through right now could be teaching you something to help you grow. Interesting how different cultures have similar parenting styles in the way they approach consoling or guiding their kids.

Age: 19

Date of Performance: Told to me on March 3rd, 2025. Told to them throughout their life but they specifically mention it being a thing when they were a kid

Language: Spanish

Nationality: American

Occupation: Student at USC

Primary Language: English/Spanish

Residence: Concord, CA

Proverb – “Honesty is the best policy”

Taken from audio recording:

Informant: “Alright, so I looked one up, and I remember hearing this a lot in elementary school—“Honesty is the best policy.” Teachers would always say that whenever there was a little issue, like if someone was doing something wrong or if there was a small fight. It was just their way of getting things sorted out. I always remember that saying”

Analysis:

It’s a proverb that I also heard when I was a kid. It’s used a lot to teach kids that they need to be honest and tell the truth because that’s the right thing to do. It can also be used to reinforce that idea when you’re not a child anymore and someone can say “Honestly is the best policy” when your struggling with telling someone the truth because you know the truth will hurt their feelings. Like all proverbs people use it to give you advice without saying “I think you should do this”. This proverb is a reminder that telling the truth is the right thing to do even though it can be uncomfortable at times.

Age: 20

Date of Performance: Told to me on February 13th, 2025. Used through their life but they specifically mention it being a thing when they were in elementary school

Language: English

Nationality: American

Occupation: Student at USC

Primary Language: English

Residence: Somewhere in the Los Angeles area

Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho

Nationality: American, Mexican (dual)
Age: 45
Occupation: Stay at home parent
Residence: Concord, CA
Language: Spanish

This is actually a common saying from where my mom is from in Mexico (Mexico City), but it’s a very regional saying. She claims my father had no idea about it before he met her. It translates to “from words to actions, there’s a big gap.” Essentially saying that theres a big difference between what people say and what people do. She’s always told me this as a kid and I’ve been around my hispanic community and have never heard anyone else refer to it either. They understand because of language, but it’s likely their first time hearing it.

I’ve already mentioned it, but it’s a regional saying to those in Mexico City, I find that Mexico in general is really diverse in regional folklore. She has a gesture that’s specific to a region she lived in for a time. Although she doesn’t do it because it’s the equivalent of the middle finger. I have been around Mexico various times, and would say I’m equally if not more well-traveled in Mexico than the United States, and I’ve been to 23 United States. This proverb that she says seems to reflect the skepticism towards empty promises. Mexico City is an enormous city, and many people live day-to-day because of the uncertainty of tomorrow. I think this creates uncertainty between people as well as they are unsure if people can follow through on their promises.

I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it – Proverb

Nationality: American
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles
Language: English

Text: I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it

Context: “I’ve always used this instead of ‘I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.’ The original proverb feels way too optimistic. I’m not necessarily trying to be pessimistic, but burning the bridge is more accurate. When I know there’s something challenging coming up, I just want to get through it.”

Analysis: This isn’t the first time I’ve heard of someone twisting a traditional proverb into something original. Some people simply don’t resonate with the borderline toxic positivity that many proverbs carry, and as a result, they come up with a variation that they feel applies to them better. Some issues aren’t a bridge to cross. Sometimes, they need to burn. And while this spin on a very well known proverb might come across as too negative, I appreciate a more realistic take.

Chinese proverb

“锲而舍之，朽木不折；锲而不舍，金石可镂。”

Translation – “If you stop carving, even rotten wood can’t be broken; never give up, and even metal and stone can be engraved.”

Encountered by informant – a Chinese speaker – innumerable times growing up, especially in regards to schoolwork.

This proverb is a frequent fixture of Chinese speakers’ conversation. It is often invoked in a similar manner to “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” highlighting the necessity of perseverance and persistent effort in various endeavors.