Tag Archives: proverb

Clothes Are Wings

Age: 24

Text:

“Clothes are wings.”

Context:

The informer tells me that this is a Korean proverb, and essentially means “Clothes make people better”. They’re not sure where they learned it from, but they assume it’s from their parents, or from watching k-dramas.

Analysis:

I thought it was very interesting that Korea would have a proverb about physical appearances and how it affects how people may perceive you. Korean society is very much one where one’s physical appearance absolutely determines how you are treated, where you are in the social hierarchy, and what people think your character and personality is like–this is all determined by how you look. It can become so extreme to the point where it may becomes toxic–one must always be skinny and slender, conventionally attractive, pale, chic, with impeccable fashion taste regardless of your socioeconomic status.

I feel like this emphasis on physical appearance has something to do with how homogenous Korea is, and its values on community rather than the individual. By having the mindset that “clothes make the man”, it creates a standard that everyone must strive to meet in order to not stand out and disrupt the flow of what is considered “normal”. This is a Confucian ideal(community over individual), which is a foundational aspect of Korean culture and social roles.

Tea

Nationality: British
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Residence: United Kingdom
Language: English

“It’s not my cup of tea.”

My informant mentioned that both parents growing up would use this phrase. Their British mother would use it more than their father, who is Irish. The phrase though has always been in their lives. They would use it to explain that they didn’t like something or that it wasn’t for them.

This proverb is an English idiom that means something is not to you’re liking or preference. The English, in my opinion, use this proverb in a polite way to say that they aren’t enjoying/are not interested in something.

Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres.

Age: 19
Language: Spanish/English

Text: Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres. (Literal translation: Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.)

Context: The participant, upon getting into and preparing to attend college, described the saying her father taught her that he thought would best help her in her transition. In her new school, her father wanted her to make good decisions to ensure a good future. Since he believes that one’s environment is oftentimes a predictor of one’s success, he wanted to imbue a great sense of importance upon the participant that her friends were included in this environment. According to the participant, he wanted to make sure the friends she made were “like-minded and focused with good study habits”. 

Analysis: A popular Spanish proverb, this saying speaks to one’s character, and the people they choose to surround themselves. Supposedly, it is meant to convey the idea that our personalities and the way we are perceived by others is entirely predicated upon the company that we choose to keep. This sentiment is not unique to Spanish-speaking cultures, as other proverbs across different languages (such as “birds of a feather flock together”) hold similar meanings. This proverb (and subsequently, those in other languages meant to convey the same idea) is most likely intended to encourage people to be particular about those close to them, and make sure that their morals align with their friends’.

Al mejor escribano se le va un borrón.

Age: 59
Language: Spanish/English

Text: Al mejor escribano se le va un borrón. (Literal translation: To the best scribe comes a blot/smudge.)

Context: The participant remembers his father telling him this phrase when he was younger. His father would notice that he was frustrated that his art wasn’t turning out how he hoped it would, or when he was taking a long time to work on small details in projects. The participant believes that his father was trying to teach him that it’s okay to make mistakes and that his work didn’t have to be perfect.  

Analysis: This saying is meant to convey that perfectionism is an unsustainable behavior. Even those who might be incredibly experienced at something are still prone to err. As the proverb suggests – the best, most skilled scribe can still leave smudges and stains on a paper; they are still human, after all.  Although this specific saying is in Spanish, the message conveyed by it is universal in its appearance across cultures and languages. This universality only further proves the point of this proverb – making mistakes is a universal experience, and no one is exempt. 

No matter where you go, there you are. 

Age: 59
Language: English

Text: No matter where you go, there you are. 

Context: The participant first came across this saying in a popular 80’s TV show, “Buckaroo Banzai”. Ever since then, he has used it throughout his own life to remind himself that: “Wherever situation or location or environment you find yourself in, the common denominator is always you”. This is a saying that he has adopted into his own vernacular and has slowly started spreading to those around him (friends, family, etc.). A show he watched in college, the participant remarked that the saying really stuck with him and helped him shape how he approached the world and situations or obstacles he faced. 

Analysis: This saying refers to the idea that you cannot escape yourself. Even though you might be able to change your surroundings, you are stuck in your own body, your own mind – whether you like it or not. If you’re not happy in one location, you’re not going to become happier by simply moving to another. It is possible that through this assertion, the saying is meant to encourage introspection. By coming to terms with yourself – your internal issues, how you approach life, etc. – you can be at peace with yourself.