20 Compliments From Around the World
RUSSIA
"You look like blood and milk."
It's an odd phrase when looked at on the surface. However, when it's broken down, it's such a nice saying. If you have a look resembling blood and milk, then you have a pretty, rosy complexion, and you're full of strength.
CHINA
"Diving fish, swooping geese" is a reference to beauty. Fish forget to swim and geese forget to fly if they were to see this person's beauty. It's a way of saying that someone is stunning.
CAMEROON
"You're an old pot."
This might seem like an insult, comparing a person to what sounds like garbage. However, in Cameroon, saying this phrase is a compliment to a cook. The idea is that better food is made in an older pot, one that is seasoned and weathered with use. So, if you're an old pot, it means that your cooking is delicious.
INDIA AND BANGLADESH
"Dana Kata Pori"
This translates as "a fairy without wings." While a fairy without wings doesn't sound like much, it is still a mythical creature. Even if she is missing her wings, she would still be a sight to see. That is the idea behind this compliment, comparing a woman to a fairy and saying that she has mythical beauty.
JAPAN AND CHINA
As children, we're drilled by our parents to mind our manners while eating. That normally means to be polite at the table and not slurp on anything, like soup, hot broth or tea. However, the opposite is true in Japan and China. It's considered a compliment to slurp on broth and noodles while eating. It's a sign to the cook that the food is thoroughly being enjoyed.
SPAIN
"What is a star doing, flying so low?"
It's very similar to the English expression "You're an angel ｄropped from heaven." The beauty of the stars can be found in humans as well! Leave it to the Spanish to find a lovely way of making this comparison.
IRAN
"May a mouse eat you!"
The odd phrase is a reference to how adorable someone is. It is similar to the the way that people say a baby is cute enough to eat. To be edible and to be adorable is apparently the same thing.
FRANCE
"My little cabbage"
The exact phrasing in French is "mon petit chou." "Chou" also translates as cream puff. On one hand, you're being called a delicious pastry on the other hand, you're a smelly vegetable. It's a hard compliment to wrap your head around.
JAPAN
"Egg with eyes" refers to one's face. It's a comparison to an egg, saying that the face is perfectly oval. Japanese culture praises perfectly shaped faces, so being compared to an egg is, in fact, a compliment!
INDIA
"Gaja Gamini"
The translation of this phrase is "She walks like an elephant." Being compared to an elephant definitely does not have the ring of a compliment. However, that is not the case in India. The idea is that someone has a slow, graceful walk and is being recognized for it. It is not, in any way, shape or form, a comment on someone's physical size. It's all about the walk.
RUSSIA
"You're as fit as a cucumber."
This odd saying is actually very nice when broken down. If someone is as fit as a cucumber, then they look alive and fresh. Just think of a nice, refreshing glass of cucumber water, and you'll get the picture.
SPAIN
"My mother never told me that flowers could walk!"
The attractiveness of flowers is something that is universal in every language, and they are prized for their beauty. So, the idea that you're a living, breathing flower is a comparison to the beauty of nature. Very nice, indeed!
JAPAN
"You have a small face."
It sounds like a strange thing to comment on, but Japanese culture is fixated on the symmetry of faces. Having a small face with well-proportioned features is indeed something to comment on and compliment.
BRAZIL
"You're an old ape."
This strange phrase is actually a sign of respect. In Brazil, an old ape is smart enough to not put his paw into a pot-shaped fruit from a tree. If he did, he would be stuck. A young ape is not old enough or smart enough to have learned this trick. So, if you're an old ape in Brazil, you're wise and respected.
ETHIOPIA
No utensils? No problem. In Ethiopia, eating with just your hands is commonplace. The food is all shared on one central serving platter, and everyone eats off of it together. People take turns hand-feeding each other, which is called "gursha." Gursha is done between those looking to build more social ties to each other and show that they have trust in one another. It truly is a compliment!
PORTUGAL
"You're fofinho!"
In Portuguese, "fofo" means soft. It can also be used to mean that something is cute. When "fofinho" is used, it's an extra emphasis on the word, meaning that something is extra soft. In this case, that something is YOU!
MAASAI TRIBE
The action of spitting is generally considered to be an impolite action, whether it be in front of someone, near someone or on someone. However, in the Maasai tribe in Africa, spitting on each other is a compliment. They will even spit on their hands before shaking just in case they forget to actually spit on one another.
CAMEROON
"You're a baobab."
This refers to a very large and old type of tree. If someone compares you to this tree, it means that you're respected and that you have great strength.
CHINA
Proper table manners the way that we learned them get thrown out the window in China. Belching at the end of a meal is not only allowed, it's also encouraged. It's a sign of appreciation for a well-cooked meal. It's a compliment to the chef! Go ahead and let it out.
SPAIN
Even those who know basic Spanish are probably aware that "gordo/a" translates as "fat." However, don't take offense if someone tells you that you're gordo/a while in Spain. This is used as a term of endearment and is considered a pet name!
Article Source: https://mom.me/entertainment/195338-compliments-around-world/
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VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Stunning (adj.) ~ extremely impressive or attractive
2. Weathered (adj.) ~ stained, or warped by or as if by exposure to weather or consistent use
3. Mythical (adj.) ~ fictitious
4. Slurp (v.) ~ eat or drink (something) with a loud sloppy sucking noise
5. Adorable (adj.) ~ inspiring great affection delightful charming
6. Edible (adj.) ~ fit to be eaten (often used to contrast with unpalatable or poisonous examples)
7. Fixated (adj.) ~ think about something to an extreme and excessive degree
8. Endearment (n.) ~ a word or phrase expressing love or affection
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What is a compliment? How do you feel when you are given one?
2. What is the best compliment you have ever received. Described the situation when it was given.
3. What aspect of physical appearance is often complimented in Korea? Is there a Korean phrase for that? What is it?
4. Which would you rather be complimented about, your physical appearance or achievement? Discuss your answer.
