Monday, August 1, 2011

MORE Mexican-American Dichos (Proverbs)


Ana's father in law, and his mother (Abuelita), eventually figured out that their son's/grandson's wife was the famous but elusive woman from outer space--the planet Thomo. Each kept her secret to themselves for a good while, however, because they realized that if word of her real identity were to get out, their peaceful family life in rural New Mexico would be over.


Ana Darcy, for her part, also welcomed her low profile life as the home-making wife of a moderately prosperous landowner. One way she did this was by following her interests in the languages of Earth and becoming fluent in Spanish, since her husband's family was bilingual in English and Spanish, and Spanish is the second language of New Mexico. Abuelita, in particular, was her devoted tutor in the social customs of southern New Mexico and in Spanish, which included many, many dichos (proverbs) from Abuelita's enormous store of practical wisdom.

They are great fun. Many are similar to proverbs in English, of course, but some reflect novel cultural differences. Some of these have already appeared here. Here are some more:


Cada oveja con su pareja. (Each sheep with its twin; birds of a feather stick together)

A cada santa se le llega su día. (Each saint's day arrives; every dog has his day)

Lo barato cuesta caro. (What's cheap is expensive (in the long run))

Panza llena, corazón contento. (A full stomach makes a happy heart.)

Es mejor que haya un tonto y no dos. (Better there's one fool and not two; you've made enough of a fool of yourself already)

El hábito no hace al monje. (A habit doesn't make a monk; clothes don't make the man).

Antes te hablar es bueno pensar. (Think before speaking.)

Comer frijoles y repetir pollo. (Eating beans and talking chicken; talking big but acting small)

De lo perdido a lo que aparezca. (From having lost it to whatever may appear; something is better than nothing)

La mala yerba nunca muere. (The bad weeds never die; the bad penny always comes back)

Más vale andar solo que mal acompañado. (It's better to be alone than in bad company.)

Quien a feo ama, hermoso le parece. (Love makes even the ugly beautiful.)




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