HUMOR

Flenglish sayings

Sayings from Belgium brought to you in an English jacket

Quite often I struggle with translating sayings we have in Belgium… I tend to translate them literally, not considering the fact that no one knows what I’m talking about. It has brought me a lot of questioning looks and hilarious moments. So I decided to make a list of the ones I use the most, so maybe I can translate them properly next time I have an (fl)English conversation.

Photo by Dan Cook on Unsplash

The Flenglish sayings

1. Now the monkey comes out of the sleeve — The truth is revealed about a situation or someone
2. I don’t trust her for a hair — To not trust or believe someone
3. Unfortunately peanut butter — Too bad
4. I have an egg to peel with you —Having something to discuss with someone in response to something that is blamed on the other person. Also: wanting to take revenge on someone.
5. He hasn’t eaten cheese from this — Having any understanding of something
6. This can’t get through the braces — Exceeding the norm of what is still decent
7. Falling with the door in the house — getting straight to the point
8. There’s an adder under the grass — there is a hidden risk in the game
9. Running a little blue — Being romantically rejected by someone
10. Putting the flowers outside — Partying a lot
11. You are dicking out of your neck — Bullshitting
12. It sits like a mustache — Don’t worry
13. As though an angel is pissing on your tongue — After eating a delicious meal or drinking a tasty beverage, to express satisfaction

I can imagine these sound absurd to non-native speakers, but you may find them sneaking into my conversations anyway.

Sending love,

El