My Girlfriend’s Favorite Saying

Text: A saying that A’s mom always says to her is “such is life” which to A means ”you gotta keep moving on. It’s just life.”

Context: A keeps this saying close to her chest because not only was she introduced to this saying from her mom but it has also helped her many times in life when things seem down. 

Analysis: After some research I found that the saying “such is life” was first recorded as the last words of Australian Bushranger Ned Kelly right before he was hanged for murder. I’m sure he was not the first person to say this, but he was the first to be recorded saying it. This would make me believe that this saying originated in Australia around the 1880’s. The fact that it is still circulating today would mean that it has traveled to every corner of the English speaking world.

My Girlfriend’s Dad’s Classic Joke

Text: A says “A French foreign exchange student comes to stay with a family in America. He doesn’t know any English so the Dad takes him around to teach him. He first takes him to the airport and points to the planes leaving and says “take off”, the student repeats “take off” back to him. The Dad the next day takes him to the zoo and shows him a zebra and tells him” zebra”, the exchange student responds “zebra”. Next the  Dad takes him to the grocery store and sees a baby crying then points to the baby and says “baby”, the exchange student responds “baby”. Then when they get home the mom asks the student what English he has learned and he responds “take off zebra baby”.”

Context: This joke was told to me by my girlfriend A. She told me that this joke is a favorite of her fathers. This joke to A  is a classic “dad joke” that her dad would tell her routinely.

Analysis: In my interpretation this joke most likely originates from the 1950’s-60’s as post WWII the concept of exchange students came into effect. Additionally I believe it stems from this time as post WWII the US was heavily responsible for helping rebuild France, thus why a French exchange student would want to come to America.

Coaching Advice

“Everything’s important; nothing is special.”

Context:

“My coaches used to say, ‘Everything’s important; nothing is special,'” says the informant. “Essentially, they meant ‘how you do one thing, is how you do everything.'” Throughout their collegiate athletic career, they heard this phrase often, typically as “what the coaches thought was a form of encouragement.”

Analysis:

The formulation in which advice or wisdom is given changes, depending on the climate or the environment of these interactions. In this case, the intent behind these messages is built out of fostering determination within players. These types of phrases are similar to those used by coaching figures, generally speaking, like “keep your eyes on the prize” or “work hard, play hard.” Phrases like these encourage players to focus on their goals and visualize the outcomes that they want to, ultimately, push them harder. The reception of the message depends on the execution of how the intent is presented. In using specific verbiage, one could actually deter or lower potential excitement and energy, especially when in a position of coaching. In providing advice, it is important to have a keen awareness of recipient perception, or else, sometimes the message can be lost.

Got a Secret?

“It all comes out in the wash.”

Context:

The informant remembers their grandmother telling them: “it all comes out in the wash.” Now, reflecting on their childhood, they knows this meant “secrets usually aren’t kept secret” and made them feel like “no problem was too serious.”

Analysis:

Essentially, when facing personal issues that one is worried about, this saying emphasizes the strength of familial bonds surpassing hardship. The informant’s recollections suggest that nothing an individual can go through is too difficult for the entire family and that, with their support and guidance, everything will all be figured out eventually. Hence, “in the wash” means that everything will eventually be cleaned and sorted to the point of almost renew and refresh. This folkloric family-derived saying is one of encouragement and support for family members. Speech like this serves as a reminder that everyone is only human and can do nothing at the end of the day other than choose to be better for and with their family.

How to Tell Someone to “Calm Down”

“¡Serena morena!”

“Calm down!”

Context:

The informant defined the phrase “serena morena”, or “sereno moreno,” as a way of telling someone else to “calm down or kind of chill out.” Throughout their childhood, their “grandpa used to say it all the time.” There is no direct English translation, but it’s a playful way of insinuating one should “take it easy.” This expression is popular in Mexico.

Analysis:

Playful expressions like these create less of an aggressive approach to honesty, especially with children. Being able to craft a creative solution to issues of overactivity can be helpful in approaching a situation in a way that is not pushy. Instead of using the direct translation of “calm down,” delivering an otherwise harsh message a little more lightly can foster a better environment. In doing so, a dialogue of mutual understanding can be prioritized. Culturally popularized, this folk phrase tends to be passed on from generation to generation.