What Are Figurative Expressions?

Figurative expressions, or idioms, are phrases that don’t mean exactly what they say. Instead, they convey a particular meaning through metaphor, simile, or exaggeration. For example, in English, “raining cats and dogs” means it’s raining heavily, not that pets are falling from the sky. Similarly, Slovenian has its own set of idioms that are both amusing and insightful.

Animal-Related Expressions

Slovenian, like many languages, uses animals to create vivid imagery in its idiomatic expressions. Here are a few to tickle your funny bone:

1. “Imaš dolg jezik” (You have a long tongue)

This phrase is used to describe someone who talks too much or can’t keep a secret. Imagine a person with an impossibly long tongue wagging away, spilling all the beans. It’s a humorous way to remind someone to keep quiet.

2. “Kdo je ubil Marijo?” (Who killed Mary?)

This expression is used when someone is overly dramatic or making a big deal out of something insignificant. It’s as if they’re acting as though a major tragedy has occurred, like the murder of someone named Mary. It’s a playful way to tell someone to calm down and stop exaggerating.

3. “Ima mačka” (He/She has a cat)

In Slovenian, if someone “has a cat,” it means they have a hangover. The imagery here is quite amusing—picture someone feeling as though a cat is clawing at their insides after a night of heavy drinking.

4. “Leti kot kura brez glave” (Runs like a headless chicken)

This expression is used to describe someone who is rushing around frantically without a clear plan or direction. It’s similar to the English idiom “running around like a chicken with its head cut off.” The visual of a headless chicken running around aimlessly adds a humorous touch to the description.

Food-Related Expressions

Food is a universal language, and Slovenian idioms often incorporate culinary elements to convey their meanings. Here are some delectable examples:

1. “To je pa zame španska vas” (That’s a Spanish village to me)

When something is completely incomprehensible or foreign, Slovenians say it’s a “Spanish village.” This phrase is akin to the English expression “It’s all Greek to me.” The humor lies in the randomness of the chosen foreign element—why a Spanish village? It’s a mystery that adds to the charm.

2. “Delati iz muhe slona” (Making an elephant out of a fly)

This idiom is used to describe someone who is blowing things out of proportion, making a big deal out of something trivial. The exaggerated transformation from a tiny fly to a massive elephant adds a humorous twist to the expression.

3. “Imeti maslo na glavi” (Having butter on your head)

If someone “has butter on their head,” it means they are guilty or have a dirty conscience. Imagine someone trying to act innocent while butter melts down their head—it’s a funny and vivid way to describe someone who can’t hide their guilt.

4. “To je pa čista juha” (That’s clear soup)

When something is straightforward or easy to understand, Slovenians say it’s “clear soup.” This expression is similar to the English phrase “It’s a piece of cake.” The simplicity of clear soup makes it a fitting metaphor for something uncomplicated.

Nature-Related Expressions

Nature provides a rich source of inspiration for Slovenian idioms. These expressions often paint vivid pictures that are both amusing and insightful:

1. “Vleči se kot jara kača” (Dragging like an old snake)

This idiom describes something that is taking forever or dragging on endlessly. The image of an old snake slowly slithering along captures the tediousness of the situation in a humorous way.

2. “Iti rakom žvižgat” (Going to whistle to the crayfish)

When someone “goes to whistle to the crayfish,” it means they have died. This expression is a euphemism for death, much like the English phrase “kicked the bucket.” The absurdity of whistling to crayfish adds a lighthearted touch to a serious topic.

3. “Metati polena pod noge” (Throwing logs under someone’s feet)

This idiom is used to describe someone who is deliberately causing obstacles or making things difficult for someone else. The visual of someone throwing logs under another person’s feet as they try to walk is both funny and illustrative of the hindrance.

4. “Ljubiti se kot zajci” (Loving each other like rabbits)

When a couple is very affectionate or intimate, Slovenians say they are “loving each other like rabbits.” The prolific nature of rabbits makes this a humorous and slightly cheeky way to describe a couple’s lovey-dovey behavior.

Everyday Life Expressions

Slovenian idioms also capture the quirks and humor of everyday life. Here are some expressions that you might find relatable and amusing:

1. “Kdo je tebe kaj vprašal?” (Who asked you anything?)

This phrase is used to tell someone that their opinion is not needed or welcome. It’s a blunt and humorous way to remind someone to mind their own business.

2. “Imaš maslo na glavi” (You have butter on your head)

If someone “has butter on their head,” it means they are guilty or have a dirty conscience. Imagine someone trying to act innocent while butter melts down their head—it’s a funny and vivid way to describe someone who can’t hide their guilt.

3. “To je pa čista juha” (That’s clear soup)

When something is straightforward or easy to understand, Slovenians say it’s “clear soup.” This expression is similar to the English phrase “It’s a piece of cake.” The simplicity of clear soup makes it a fitting metaphor for something uncomplicated.

4. “Iti kot po maslu” (Going like on butter)

When something is going very smoothly, Slovenians say it’s “going like on butter.” This expression is similar to the English phrase “going smoothly” or “going like clockwork.” The imagery of something gliding effortlessly on butter adds a humorous and relatable touch.

Expressions Involving People

People are at the heart of many idioms, and Slovenian is no exception. These expressions often highlight human behavior in a funny and insightful way:

1. “Biti tič v kletki” (Being a bird in a cage)

This idiom describes someone who feels trapped or restricted. The imagery of a bird longing to fly but being confined to a cage is both poignant and amusing.

2. “Imaš dolg jezik” (You have a long tongue)

This phrase is used to describe someone who talks too much or can’t keep a secret. Imagine a person with an impossibly long tongue wagging away, spilling all the beans. It’s a humorous way to remind someone to keep quiet.

3. “Iti rakom žvižgat” (Going to whistle to the crayfish)

When someone “goes to whistle to the crayfish,” it means they have died. This expression is a euphemism for death, much like the English phrase “kicked the bucket.” The absurdity of whistling to crayfish adds a lighthearted touch to a serious topic.

4. “Ljubiti se kot zajci” (Loving each other like rabbits)

When a couple is very affectionate or intimate, Slovenians say they are “loving each other like rabbits.” The prolific nature of rabbits makes this a humorous and slightly cheeky way to describe a couple’s lovey-dovey behavior.

Expressions Involving Objects

Sometimes, inanimate objects become the stars of idiomatic expressions. Here are a few Slovenian idioms that feature everyday items in funny and imaginative ways:

1. “Metati polena pod noge” (Throwing logs under someone’s feet)

This idiom is used to describe someone who is deliberately causing obstacles or making things difficult for someone else. The visual of someone throwing logs under another person’s feet as they try to walk is both funny and illustrative of the hindrance.

2. “Kdo je tebe kaj vprašal?” (Who asked you anything?)

This phrase is used to tell someone that their opinion is not needed or welcome. It’s a blunt and humorous way to remind someone to mind their own business.

3. “Iti kot po maslu” (Going like on butter)

When something is going very smoothly, Slovenians say it’s “going like on butter.” This expression is similar to the English phrase “going smoothly” or “going like clockwork.” The imagery of something gliding effortlessly on butter adds a humorous and relatable touch.

4. “Biti tič v kletki” (Being a bird in a cage)

This idiom describes someone who feels trapped or restricted. The imagery of a bird longing to fly but being confined to a cage is both poignant and amusing.

Conclusion

Figurative expressions are a delightful aspect of learning any language, and Slovenian is no exception. These idioms not only provide a glimpse into the culture and humor of the Slovenian people but also make the language more colorful and engaging. Whether you’re describing someone with a “long tongue” who can’t keep a secret or saying that something is as easy as “clear soup,” these expressions add a unique flair to your Slovenian vocabulary.

As you continue your journey in learning Slovenian, try incorporating some of these funny figurative expressions into your conversations. Not only will you impress native speakers, but you’ll also find yourself laughing along the way. Happy learning, or as the Slovenians say, “Veselo učenje!”