Serbian Learning Community and Resource

Does Someone Sneeze in Serbia? Say to It 'Go Away, Kitten

Source: Canva

The diversity of sneezing responses across different countries in Europe can be quite intriguing. While most nations typically associate sneezing with health, well-being, and divine protection, Serbia stands out with its rather peculiar response: "Pis maco." This stark contrast in sneezing etiquette serves as a fascinating cultural anomaly and highlights the richness of linguistic diversity in the region.

In many European countries, the act of sneezing is often seen as a natural, bodily function or a momentary disruption, prompting well-wishing phrases like "Bless you," "Salud," "Gesundheit," and "Salute." These expressions are deeply rooted in historical beliefs and superstitions, evolving into polite conventions aimed at safeguarding one's health and wishing good fortune.

For instance, in the UK, the response "Bless you" harks back to a time when the plague gripped the land. Sneezing was considered a potential sign of illness, and it was believed that blessing the sneezer could ward off the plague's spread. Similarly, in Spain, the phrase "Salud" was used to wish health upon the sneezer.

In Italy, the response "Salute" is an earnest wish for the sneezer's well-being. In Germany and the Netherlands, "Gesundheit" and "Gezondheid" express desires for good health. These responses, although diverse in wording, all convey a common thread of care, protection, and blessings in the face of an uncontrollable, instinctive action.

However, the Serbian response to sneezing, "Pis maco!" takes an entirely different route. Instead of invoking health, blessings, or well-wishing, this idiom humorously translates to "Go away, kitten." The phrase is often playfully directed at children, owing to the fact that the sound of sneezing may resemble a cat's cough.

The contrast between "Pis maco" and the more common European responses to sneezing underlines the interesting ways culture and language intertwine. This unique Serbian expression suggests a cultural disposition towards humor and light-heartedness even in everyday situations, reinforcing the idea that humor can find its way into the most unexpected of places.

The variation in sneezing etiquette across Europe serves as a testament to the diverse customs, traditions, and beliefs that have shaped each nation's language. While the predominant theme remains one of protection and well-wishing, Serbia's "Pis maco" adds a touch of levity to an otherwise ordinary bodily function. It is a reminder that even in the most universal of actions, cultural differences can be found, celebrated, and appreciated for their uniqueness.

In a world that is often made smaller by globalization, these regional quirks and words remind us of the beauty of diversity and the intriguing stories that language and tradition can tell. So, next time someone around you sneezes, you'll know how to respond according to the local cultural customs. After all, who wouldn't want to "go away, kitten" with a smile on their face when they sneeze?

SR: Da li neko kija u Srbiji? Reci mu "Pis maco"!

Raznolikost odgovora na kijanje u različitim zemljama u Evropi može biti prilično intrigantna. Dok većina naroda kijanje obično povezuje sa zdravljem, blagostanjem i božanskom zaštitom, Srbija se ističe prilično neobičnom reakcijom: „Pis maco“. Ovaj oštar kontrast u bontonu kihanja služi kao fascinantna kulturna anomalija i naglašava bogatstvo jezičke raznolikosti u regionu.

U mnogim evropskim zemljama na čin kihanja se često gleda kao na prirodnu, telesnu funkciju ili kao trenutni poremećaj, što izaziva fraze dobre želje poput „Blago tebi“, „Salud“, „Gesundheit“ i „Salute“. Ovi izrazi su duboko ukorenjeni u istorijskim verovanjima, a postaju reči koje imaju za cilj očuvanje nečijeg zdravlja i želju za srećom.

Na primer, u Velikoj Britaniji, odgovor „blagosloven“ seže u vreme kada je kuga zahvatila zemlju. Kijanje se smatralo potencijalnim znakom bolesti, a verovalo se da blagoslov kijanja može da spreči širenje kuge. Slično, u Španiji je fraza „Salud” korišćena da se poželi zdravlje kijaču.

U Italiji, odgovor "Salute" je iskrena želja za dobrobit kijavca. U Nemačkoj i Holandiji „Gesundheit” i „Gezondheid” izražavaju želju za dobrim zdravljem. Ovi odgovori, iako su različiti u formulacijama, svi prenose zajedničku nit brige, zaštite i blagoslova suočeni sa nekontrolisanim, instinktivnim delovanjem.

Međutim, srpski odgovor na kijanje, "Pis maco!", ide sasvim drugim putem. Umesto prizivanja zdravlja, blagoslova ili dobre želje, ovaj idiom se duhovito prevodi kao „Pis maco!“. Fraza je često upućena deci, zbog činjenice da zvuk kihanja može da liči na mačji kašalj.

Kontrast između "Pis maco" i uobičajenih evropskih odgovora na kijanje naglašava interesantne načine na koje se kultura i jezik prepliću. Ovaj jedinstveni srpski izraz nagoveštava kulturnu sklonost ka humoru i lakomislenosti čak i u svakodnevnim situacijama, potkrepljujući ideju da humor može da nađe put i na najneočekivanijim mestima.

Varijacije u bontonu za kijanje širom Evrope služe kao svedočanstvo o različitim običajima, tradicijama i verovanjima koja su oblikovala jezik svake nacije. Dok preovlađujuća tema ostaje zaštita i dobronamernost, srpski "Pis maco" dodaje dašak lakoće u inače uobičajenu telesnu funkciju. To je podsetnik da se čak i u najuniverzalnijim akcijama, kulturne razlike mogu pronaći, proslaviti i ceniti zbog svoje posebnosti.

U svetu koji globalizacija često čini manjim, ove regionalne neobičnosti i reči podsećaju nas na lepotu različitosti i intrigantne priče koje jezik i tradicija mogu da ispričaju. Dakle, sledeći put kada neko oko vas kihne, znaćete kako da odgovorite u skladu sa lokalnim kulturnim običajima. Na kraju krajeva, ko ne bi želeo da „ode, mače“ sa osmehom na licu kada kija?