A linguistic heritage to preserve
Catalan is a dynamic language, full of nuances and influences that make it unique. Among these influences, Castilianisms have found a special place in the Catalan colloquial vocabulary, enriching it with expressions that reflect our culture and way of life. Below, we explore some of these linguistic gems that, despite criticism from purists, deserve to be recognized and maintained.
Castilianisms that make you laugh and think
1. Shine: the requirement of urgency
The interjection ‘brillo!’ it has become a rallying cry and motivation. This expression, which seems to have its roots in a mixture of ‘brio’ and ‘shine’, is an example of how urgency can be communicated with a simple shout. Its use in everyday life reminds us of the vivacity of our language.
2. Bald and blind: everyday life in language
With a touch of humor, ‘bald’ and ‘blind’ have found a comfortable place in colloquial Catalan. These words, which in their normative form are ‘bald’ and ‘blind’, have evolved in popular language, reflecting the way Catalans express themselves in informal situations.
3. Termo: the battle of the vocabulary
While normative Catalan defends the form ‘termos’, regular speakers stick to the more practical ‘termo’. This small example shows how language evolves in response to everyday communication needs.
4. Jelos: a shared feeling
‘Jealousy’ is an example of how a word can adapt and become its own in a culture. Although ‘jealousy’ is the correct form, ‘jealousy’ has found popular acceptance, reflecting human emotions in a more direct and familiar way.
5. Ranting: a way to let off steam
‘Ragging’ has become a common term for expressing complaints and frustrations. This word, which comes from Spanish, has come to be a means of genuine expression for many Catalans, who use it with a naturalness that demonstrates its integration into colloquial language.
6. Burial: a living tradition
The use of ‘burial’ instead of ‘burial’ shows how colloquial language preserves elements of popular culture. The phraseology that includes this word illustrates its persistence in everyday communication.
7. Mandanga: the weight of words
‘Mandanga’ is an expression that encapsulates the idea of triviality and deception, but has also found use in more informal language. Its evolution over the years shows how the language can adapt to social needs.
8. Octave: a small detail
‘Octaveta’ has gained popularity as a substitute for ‘octavilla’, reflecting the linguistic creativity of Catalans. This adaptation shows how language can evolve and take shape from common usage.
9. Deliver: a nuanced verb
‘Deliver’ has found its place in the colloquial vocabulary, where it can assume wider meanings than the simple act of delivering. This versatility is an example of how words can evolve in meaning depending on the context.
10. Apabuenas: a unique blend
‘Apabuenas’ exemplifies the fusion of cultures and languages, reflecting the reality of a society that accepts and adapts external influences. This word, which mixes Catalan and Spanish, is a testament to the richness of our linguistic heritage.
Final reflections on our language
The incorporation of Castilianisms into Catalan not only enriches our vocabulary, but also reflects our cultural identity. These words, which may be viewed with skepticism by some, are an integral part of how we express ourselves and connect with the world. Let’s keep this linguistic richness alive and celebrate the diversity it brings to Catalan.
