The term “Etymology” is the study of the origin of words.  The practice of etymology is uncovering the truth by tracing the root of a word and its evolution thereafter. English as a language borrows heavily from other languages. These lexical borrowings or loan words make English a versatile language.

But then, there are some proverbs and idioms in regional languages that can never be translated as well as it should be to English. I remember writing a story where I took in a phrase from Telugu, Naa tho kotha kapuram chestava?

This remarkable phrase cannot be translated to English for in no way can it be evocative enough. At the most, it can loosely be translated as: Will you make/ create a new home with me? It cannot bring in the emotions, the feelings in its entirety or express your love. Similarly, the term red-handed can never replace the Latin phrase, in flagrante delicto,

Today, with the world going berserk with war raging, the gas and fuels burning I am once again reminded of a Tamil Proverb and I feel the present scenario can aptly be described as:  “Velila pona onaana (or onaan) kadhu kulla vittutu, kutharathe, kodayarathe kadhai mathiri!” 

If you translate it literally, it means the chameleon is happy and minding its own business sitting on a fence. You take it in your hand release it in your ears and then say, it is poking your ears or digging into them.

Figuratively, it means unnecessarily inviting trouble into your life by interfering in matters that do not concern you.

I don’t think I need to say anymore! If your own language has a proverb and phrase that cannot be translated as well, do share in comments.

hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.