The World of Catalan Metaphors
The word ‘ass’ is present in a large number of Catalan expressions, which reflect a rich variety of meanings and uses in everyday language. These expressions offer an interesting insight into how Catalan culture has created metaphors around this word, using it to describe various situations and give color to communication.
Diversity of Uses and Meanings
Expressions incorporating the word ‘ass’ cover a wide range of meanings. For example, it is used to describe someone’s restlessness (a ‘bad ass’ or a ‘fidgety ass’), surprise at an unexpected event (‘fall off your ass’), or even to to express the lack of time or the excess of work (‘going ass’ or ‘going ass’). These expressions reflect the richness of the Catalan language and its ability to capture subtle nuances in everyday communication.
Geographical and Temporal Metaphors
In addition to common uses, the word ‘ass’ has also been integrated into expressions that refer to space and time. For example, there is talk of the ‘ass of the sun’ in reference to a mountain place where sunlight is scarce, or of being ‘the ass of the world’ to describe a very distant place. Also, the expression ‘cul des sabetti’ is used in Mallorca and Menorca to indicate a final moment, when there is not much time left to do anything. These geographical and temporal metaphors enrich the language and reflect the relationship of Catalan culture with its environment and its history.
Metaphors of Value and Personal Relationships
The word ‘ass’ has also been integrated into expressions referring to value and personal relationships. For example, we talk about ‘butt of glass’ to describe a small amount of liquid left in a container, or ‘butt of bottle’ to refer to an imitation precious stone, with no real value. Also, the expression ‘ass and shit’ is used to describe a very close relationship or a strong friendship. These metaphors reflect the ability of language to capture nuances in human relationships and in the perception of value.