El Idioma

As I've been more and more exposed to the Spanish languages and all it's nuances, I've come to see not only how interesting and colorful a language it is, but also how humorous it is. Between conversations with people, listening to my homestay family, and reading for class or for pleasure, I have compiled a short list of some phrases and words that strike me as funny. Many of them do not translate literally, but I will do my best to explain them.

Phrases:
1. "el de los calzones" - this literally translates as "he of the long underwear," but is used to refer to the man of the house
2. "hacer la vista gorda" - literally "make/do a fat face," this phrase is used when someone is looking favorably on someone else
3. "manos de pulpo" - "hands of an octopus," used to refer to someone who touchy-feely
4. "pan comido" - "eaten bread," when something is set in stone
5. "que padre!" - doesn't translate literally but means "that's cool!"
6. "no son enchiladas" - is used when someone requests something with an unreasonable time limit; basically you are telling them that you can't finish whatever in time (enchiladas don't take long to make)

Spanish also has a lot of compound words which are fun:
1. rompecabeza: puzzle
2. parabrisas: windshield
3. trabalengua: tongue-twister
4. sobresaltar: to startle, make someone jump

These are just a few of the phrases and words I've learned here in Guanajuato. I've really enjoyed learning more Spanish and I've come to appreciate just how beautiful a language it is. I know that I still have a long way to go, but I'm proud of how much I've learned in the last few months. It's so wonderful to be able to give a presentation without stressing about verb tenses or vocabulary or carry on an actual dialogue with someone. I hope that over the next month, I am able to see even more improvements.