25 Idioms in English About Nationalities
25 Idioms in English About Nationalities
Idioms are colorful phrases that give language more personality and flair.
Many idioms relate to different nationalities and cultures around the world.
These idioms often reveal assumptions or stereotypes about the characteristics and behaviors associated with particular groups of people.
While some of these idioms may be considered offensive or problematic today, they provide an interesting window into how different cultures and nationalities have been perceived historically.
Understanding where these idioms come from can give us insight into cultural biases and misconceptions.
With that context in mind, let’s explore 25 common idioms about nationalities and explain their meanings and origins in plain, simple terms:
1. English idiom: “Pardon my French”
Meaning: An apologetic phrase said after using a profane or vulgar word, as if excusing one’s “French” language or swearing.
2. Spanish idiom: “It’s all Greek to me”
Meaning: Something that is extremely difficult to understand or incomprehensible, comparing it to the complexity of the Greek language.
3. French idiom: “To take French leave”
Meaning: To depart or leave without permission or notice, possibly relating to French soldiers deserting during battle.
4. Chinese idiom: “No need to use Western products”
Meaning: There’s no need to do something extravagant or excessive, referring to a preference for Chinese simplicity over Western luxury items.
5. Italian idiom: “An Italian straw fire”
Meaning: A brief burst of emotion, energy, or effort that doesn’t last long, likening it to how quickly straw fires burn out.
6. Russian idiom: “Like a Russian rolling down a hill”
Meaning: To put forth maximum effort, comparing the momentum to a Russian rolling downhill rapidly.
7. German idiom: “To get one’s German up”
Meaning: To become angry or enraged. The “German” may refer to the perceived stern or harsh nature of Germans.
8. Japanese idiom: “A Japanese dog’s breakfast”
Meaning: A confusing or disorganized mess, possibly relating to a stereotype of Japanese dogs being undisciplined.
9. Irish idiom: “To have an Irish Pennant”
Meaning: To have good luck, possibly stemming from the Irish reputation for celebrating and enjoying life.
10. Mexican idiom: “A Mexican jumping bean”
Meaning: A lively, energetic and bouncy person, comparing them to the famous jumping insect from Mexico.
11. Swedish idiom: “To go Swedish”
Meaning: To become naked or engage in streaking, connected to Swedish ideals of openness and a casual attitude toward nudity.
12. Scottish idiom: “A Scottish shower”
Meaning: A very brief period of rain with alternating bursts of sunshine after, reflecting the changeable weather in Scotland.
13. Polish idiom: “As bright as a Polish bat”
Meaning: To be very stupid or ignorant, unfortunately linking to a negative stereotype about Polish intelligence.
14. Canadian idiom: “He’s a Canadian hayseed”
Meaning: An unsophisticated person, especially from a rural area, connecting Canadians with the country’s agricultural heritage.
15. Greek idiom: “It’s all Greek to me”
Meaning: Something completely incomprehensible, referring to the difficulty of the Greek language for non-native speakers.
Read more:
- 25 Idioms in English About Nationalities Explained Simply
- 30 B1-B2 English Idioms to Spice Up Your English
- 25 English Idioms About Life and What They Mean
- 25 English Idioms About Men and Women
- 25 Idioms Related to Language: Enhance Your Communication
16. Indian idiom: “More Indian than the Indians themselves”
Meaning: To be extremely authentic or more characteristic of something than the original, comparing one to indigenous Indians.
17. Turkish idiom: “To keep up with the Joneses Turkish style”
Meaning: To try to match or exceed others’ wealth or lifestyle, reflecting Turkish social competitiveness.
18. Australian idiom: “As dry as an Australian salted egg”
Meaning: To be extremely dry, hot or arid, likening the state to an Australian preserved egg from the outback.
19. Brazilian idiom: “A Brazilian dodger”
Meaning: Someone who is skilled at evasion or avoiding responsibilities, relating to the negative stereotype of Brazilians as dodgers or slackers.
20. Cuban idiom: “A Cuban haircut”
Meaning: A bad or unskilled haircut, unfortunately connecting the quality to Cuban barbers through an unfair stereotype.
21. Danish idiom: “To sleep like a Danish sailor in the field”
Meaning: To sleep very deeply and soundly, comparing the state to a Danish sailor exhausted after work.
22. Egyptian idiom: “More Egyptian than a tomb”
Meaning: Something extremely old or aged, referencing the ancient Egyptian tombs and monuments.
23. Saudi Arabian idiom: “That’s Saudi for you”
Meaning: An expression of exasperation or disdain, implying typical unhelpful Saudi attitudes or behavior.
24. Israeli idiom: “To pull an Israeli shift”
Meaning: To work extremely long hours, based on a perception of arduous Israeli work ethics.
25. Argentine idiom: “To get one’s Argentine going”
Meaning: To become very passionate or emotionally intense, likening it to stereotypes about Argentine fiery natures.
While some of these idioms play into unfair cultural stereotypes, examining them gives us a window into how different nationalities and cultures have historically been viewed around the world – for better or worse.
With greater understanding, we can move beyond these limited perspectives.
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