8 Russian words and phrases that sound like curses to Americans
Why can foreigners be afraid of Santa Claus, but the word “fart” spoken out loud for an English-speaking person does not mean “luck” at all?
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1. Santa Claus
- What it looks like: dead morose.
Traditions that we know from childhood can be a shock to foreigners, writes Life hacker. For example, the mention of Santa Claus makes them think not about a good old man with a bag of gifts.
Dead morose roughly translates to “gloomy dead man.” Now imagine what the situation looks like from the American point of view when, at a New Year’s party, children suddenly begin to call upon this creature in unison.
2. Book
- What it looks like: n *** r.
Do not be surprised if a law-abiding American changes his face as soon as you pronounce this word. The “book” sounds very similar to n *** r, offensive to blacks.
So, if abroad you go to the bookstore and try to explain in Russian what you are looking for, you risk running into a scandal. Remember: a book is a book, and it is bad to offend people because of their skin color.
On the subject: 10 words that have completely different meanings in American and British English
3. Funny
- What it looks like: prick.
Prick is one of many English words for the male sexual organ. They also use it when they talk about very unpleasant people.
The phrase “Now I’ll show you a joke” can firmly puzzle the other person. When you want to share something funny with an English-speaking friend, it’s better to use the word joke.
4. Bandage
- What it looks like: bint.
You went on vacation abroad, got hurt during a walk, go to the pharmacy and ask for a bandage. In Russian, of course, because they completely forgot how it is in English. No one gave you the bandage, and the girl behind the cashier seems offended. No wonder.
A harmless word for us in English is used to designate a girl of free morals. If you need a bandage to bandage a wound, ask not bint, but bandage. Or carry a first-aid kit with you so you do not accidentally get into a stupid situation.
On the subject: In English or American: how not to get confused in the options and phrases
5. Pension
- What it looks like: pansy.
If you decide to ask an elderly American how he lives in retirement, then in response you can get a stream of selective battles. Remember: the words retirement and pension are suitable for this.
Pansy is a slang word for homosexual. Not frankly rude, but with a touch of neglect.
6. Lucky
- What it looks like: fart.
There also - "luck" and "lucky". We have such words are approving - say, look what a lucky one. In English, fart is a noun and verb for flatulence.
Want to praise the American - say that he is lucky. Otherwise, you have to explain why you blame him for spoiling the air.
7. Shower
- What it looks like: douche.
Douche translated from English means not the most pleasant person. In terms of expression, this is an approximate analogue of the Russian "moron".
On the subject: Why no one understands English speakers
More words douche and douche bag are used when it comes to enema. And the shower we go to in the morning and in the evening is called shower in English.
8. Sewing
- What it looks like: shit.
“Shield” and “electrical panel” are also included in the list of words that are better to use cautiously and with explanations in another country. It is good that they are not so often needed.
The word shit has many possible meanings. Depending on the situation, it can mean annoyance, surprise and grief - just like the Russian "Oh, damn it." The word is not very decent, so it is better to pronounce it less often.
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