colloquialisms

Another ‘Cuban Expression of the Day’

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Arroz con mango is a popular Cuban expression which has been used here at Babalu many times. It literally means “rice with mango”, but translates to a sticky mess or situation. Picture a clump of sticky white rice with a nice, slippery mango and you get the idea.

It appears that arroz con mango has caught on globally. Take a look at this picture taken in Thailand and sent to me by Maria L.:

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There you have it folks. Estamos acabando! 😉

Another Cuban Expression of the Day: “arroz con mango”

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Arroz con mango is a popular Cuban expression which has been used here at Babalu many times. It literally means “rice with mango”, but translates to a sticky mess or situation. Picture a clump of sticky white rice with a nice, slippery mango and you get the idea.

It appears that this expression has caught on globally. Take a look at this picture sent to me by Maria L. from Thailand.

A News Related Cubanism: “caerse de la mata”

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I’ve received quite a few emails from readers mentioning or linking to the CNN/Eason Jordan/Ted Turner/castro connection. Thanks to those of you that sent the heads up.

Quite a few bloggers have posted on this subject as well, including the heavyweights Charles Johnson of LGF and the Powerline guys. Here’s the now infamous quote:

I thank you very much for being here tonight. Let me also thank Fidel Castro. In the earliest days of CNN, when CNN was meant to be seen only in the United States, the enterprising Fidel Castro was pirating and watching CNN in Cuba. Fidel was intrigued by CNN. He wanted to meet the person responsible. So Ted Turner, who at that point had never traveled to a Communist country or knowingly met a Communist, [went to Havana]. It was big deal for Ted and during the discussions Castro suggested that CNN be made available to the entire world. In fact it was that seed, that idea that grew into CNN International, which is now seen in every country and territory on the planet.

Apparently, it’s big news to some that the Ted Turner/castro connection had something to do with the beginning of CNN International. Cubans and Cuban-Americans have always called CNN the (c)astro News Network. It’s a running joke. Of course, the irony of it is that in Cuba, only fidel and his minions watch CNN. The general population isn’t allowed to watch the actual channel, only news clips that are in keeping with the bearded one’s anti-American ideology.

A shitload of accented “I told you so’s” are being heard here in Miami.

Which brings me to today’s Cubanism:

Cubanism: Caerse de la mata.

Literal translation: Falling out of the tree.

Actual meaning: Falling off the turnip truck.

Usage: They’re reporting that castro is responsible for CNN International. Parece que esta gente se acaban de ca?r de la mata.

A Monday Cubanism: “dar muela”

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I had wanted to hold off on the Cubanisms until I got the audio posting thing down, but, considering a little problem Im having today, I thought the following Cubanism would be appropriate.

Cubanism: Dar muela.

Literal Translation: Give molar.

Meaning: To dar muela, give molar, is to schmooze. Sweet talk.

Derivitives: Dando muela; muelero. (giving molar; molar giver)

Example: Two guys at a bar. A hot babe walks in. One guy gestures towards the girl with his eyes and says to the other: Tu veras, le voy a dar una tremenda muela a la jeva esa y me la voy a levantar. You’ll see, Im gonna give that babe a major molar and pick her up.

I thought this Cubanism would be appropriate today because I have the granddaddy of all tooth aches. I have a major problem with one of my wisdom teeth and the whole right side of my face hurts. Por muelero que soy.

Another Kerry Cubanism: “se tiro y no da pies”

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Given the Kerry camp’s recent shake-up, I think it’s appropriate that I take this opportunity to voice my sentiments via a Cubanism.

Today’s Cubanism: Se tiro y no da pies.

Literal translation: He shot and he doesnt give feet.

Meaning: He dove in and does not touch bottom.

Usage: John Kerry used his 4 months in Vietnam as the only platform in his run for the Presidency. Se tiro y no da pies.

Note:
This Cubanism is a particular favorite among Cubans because of it’s versatility. Not only can one use it to describe an obvious foible or mistake, but it can also be used as a deterrent. For example, let’s say you are in NYC and a protester is about to pester you directly in some way. Your typical Cuban would get in the protester’s face and say:

Oye mi hermano, no te tires que no das pies.

Translation:

Listen man, dont do it ’cause you dont know who you’re dealing with.