COMMON GREEK EXPRESSIONS

If you grew up in Greek household, chances are you’ve heard your fair share of golden one-liners from your father, mother, papou, yiayia, and especially your crazy uncle or aunt. At a young age you probably wondered what in the heck they meant by some of the things they said, but at the end of the day you always somehow got the message.

Throughout the years these expressions have been shared over message boards and forums on the internet, and exchanged between people in everyday discussions. But we here at Greek Gateway have finally decided to set the record straight by providing you with an up-to-date organized list of some of the best expressions used in every day Greek dialogue. Along with each saying we have also provided you with a literal English translation, as well as an explanation for what the Greeks really mean when using these terminologies.

I hope you enjoy this reading this compilation as much as I enjoyed piecing it together.

Let us begin…
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Greek Saying #1: “Τα μάτια σου δεκατέσσερα.”
Literal English Translation: “Your eyes fourteen.”
What the Greeks really mean: “Keep your eyes open at all times.”

Greek Saying #2: “Όποιος βιάζεται σκοντάφτει.”
Literal English Translation: “Whoever hurries stumbles.”
What the Greeks really mean: “He who doesn’t think things through, stumbles in the end.”

Greek Saying #3: “Η ζωή είναι σαν ένα αγγούρι, ο έναs το τρώει και δροσιστείτε, και ο άλλος το τρώει και ζορίζετε.”
Literal English Translation: “Life is like a cucumber, one person eats it and is refreshed, and another person eats it and struggles.”
What the Greeks really mean: “Life is simply what you make of it.”

Greek Saying #4: “Kσεκωλιάστικα.”
Literal English Translation: “Un-assed.” (Yes, we are fully aware that un-assed is not a real English word).
What the Greeks really mean: “I have over-exerted myself.” (I know what you’re thinking. Don’t even go there).

Greek Saying #5: “θα σοu αλλάξω τα φώτα.”
Literal English Translation: “I will change your lights.”
What the Greeks really mean: “I will surprise you in a way you never thought imaginable.”

Greek Saying #6: “πνίγεσε σ’ένα κουτάλι νερό.”
Literal English Translation: “You drown in a spoon of water.”
What the Greeks really mean: “You make even the simplest of tasks seem so difficult.”

Greek Saying #7: “Θα φάs ξύλο.”
Literal English Translation: “You’re going to eat wood.”
What the Greeks really mean: “You’re going to get a beating!”

Greek Saying #8: “Ο διαβολος δεν ειχε δουλεια και εκατσε και γαμισαι τα παιδια του.”
Literal English Translation: “Τhe devil had nothing to do, so he screwed his kids.”
What the Greeks really mean: “He/she has nothing better to do”.

Greek Saying #9: “θα σου χέσω το γάιδαρο.”
Literal English Translation: “I will shit your donkey.”
What the Greeks really mean: This phrase is used as a threat when you’re really angry with someone.

Greek Saying #10: “θα σου πιω το αίμα.”
Literal English Translation: “I’m going to drink your blood.”
What the Greeks really mean: This phrase is also used as a threat when you’re really angry with someone. That’s right. The Greeks are crazy blood-sucking S.O.B’s.

Greek Saying #11: “Θα μου κλάσεις τα αρχίδια.”
Literal English Translation: “You’ll fart on my testicles.”
What the Greeks really mean: “You can’t do anything about it.”

Greek Saying #12: “Τα πολλά λόγια είναι φτωχια.”
Literal English Translation: “The many words are poor.”
What the Greeks really mean: “Talk is cheap.”

Greek Saying #13: “Tο εχουν παραχέσει.”
Literal English Translation: “They have overshitted it.” (Again, yes, we are fully aware that overshitted is not a real English word).
What the Greeks really mean: “They have overdone it.”

Greek Saying #14: “θα σου βάλω τα δυο πόδια σε ενα παπουτσι.”
Literal English Translation: “I will put your two feet in one shoe.”
What the Greeks really mean: “I will put you in your place.”

Greek Saying #15: “Σηκωθήκαν τα πόδια να βαρέσουν το κεφάλι.”
Literal English Translation: “The feet got up to hit the head.”
What the Greeks really mean: “I’m onto you.”

Greek Saying #16: “Αν η γιαγιά μου είχε αρχίδια, θα τη φώναζα παππού.”
Literal English Translation: “If my grandmother had balls, I would call her my grandfather.”
What the Greeks really mean: “The entire situation changes once you start throwing ‘ifs’ into the scenario.”

Greek Saying #17: “Δεν ειναι Γιάννης, ειναι Γιανάκης.”
Literal English Translation: “It’s not John, it’s Johnny.”
What the Greeks really mean: “It’s one and the same.” Like saying “po-tay-toe, po-tah-toe” in English!

Greek Saying #18: “Έφαγα τον κόσμο να σε βρω.”
Literal English Translation: “I ate the whole world to find you.”
What the Greeks really mean: Just an exaggerated way of saying “I tore this place apart looking for you.”

Greek Saying #19: “Να μου τρυπήσεις τη μύτη!”
Literal English Translation: “Pierce my nose!”
What the Greeks really mean: This phrase is usually used in the context of a discussion where you’re so sure about something that you’re willing to “pierce your nose” if you’re wrong.

Greek Saying #20: “Χεστικαι η κοντη!”
Literal English Translation: “The short woman shit herself!”
What the Greeks really mean: “Big deal!”

Greek Saying #21: “Skata sta freidia sou.”
Literal English Translation: “Shit to your eyebrows.”
What the Greeks really mean: “Quit being such a pretentious asshole.”

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Ekei pou eimai da eisai mia mera – Where I am you will be one day

koufalitsa – small hole in a tree – crafty/cunning person

ade kourepsou – go have a haircut – stop talking about things you’re oblivious about

tha se fao – I’m gonna eat you – I’m really angry for what you did

Tha sou alakso ta fota– I’ll change your lights – You’re screwed.

Tha fas ksilo – You’ll eat wood – You’ll get a smack.

Siga ta Laxana – slowly the vegetables – It’s not a big deal.

Tha mou tripiseis tin miti – You will pierce my nose – You can’t do anything to me.

Tha mou klasis ta frithia – You can fart on my eyebrows – You can’t do anything to me.

Ai Pkniksou – go drown yourself – leave me alone

kolopedo – bum child – misbehaved child and/or bastard

min mou zalizeis ta arxithia – don’t make my balls dizzy – Stop saying nonsense to me.

Pao na kano ton psofio – I’m going to act like a corpse – I’m going to have a rest.

Kane ton psofio korio – I’m going to act like a dead bug. – I’m going to pretend that nothing happened.

se grafo sta palia mou ta papoutsia – I am writing you on my old shoes – I’m ignoring you.

“Den imaste kala”…(We are not well!)

“Tha fas ksilo”…(You will eat stcks!)

“Boutses Ble”…(Blue Dicks!)

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ARE YOU WORKING ME ? —>>ΜΕ ΔΟΥΛΕΥΕΙΣ ?

ARE WE GLUING COFFEE POTS ? —>>ΜΠΡΙΚΙΑ ΚΟΛΛΑΜΕ ?

AT THE END THEY SHAVE THE GROOM —>>ΣΤΟ ΤΕΛΟΣ ΞΥΡΙΖΟΥΝ ΤΟΝ ΓΑΜΠΡΟ

CATCH THE EGG AND MOW IT —>> ΠΙΑΣ’ ΤΟ ΑΥΓΟ ΚΑΙ ΚΟΥΡΕΦ’ ΤΟ

I HAVE SPIT THEM —>> ΤΑ ‘ΧΩ ΦΤΥΣΕΙ

FART US A STONEWALL ! —>>ΚΛΑΣΕ ΜΑΣ ΜΙΑ ΜΑΝΤΡΑ !

HAIRS CURLY—>>ΤΡΙΧΕΣ ΚΑΤΣΑΡΕΣ

HE MADE US THE THREE TWO—>>ΜΑΣ ΕΚΑΝΕ ΤΑ ΤΡΙΑ ΔΥΟ

I TOOK THEM TO THE SKULL—>>ΤΑ ΠΗΡΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΡΑΝΙΟ

I AM DOGBORED—>>ΣΚΥΛΟΒΑΡΙΕΜΑΙ

I TOOK MY THREE—>>ΠΗΡΑ ΤΑ ΤΡΙΑ ΜΟΥ

SHIT AND FROMSHIT—>>ΣΚΑΤΑ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΣΚΑΤΑ

WE DRANK HIM—>>ΤOΝ ΗΠΙΑΜΕ

YOUR MIND AND A POUND AND THE PAINTER’S BRUSH—>>ΤΟ ΜΥΑΛΟ ΣΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΜΙΑ ΛΥΡΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΜΠΟΓΙΑΤΖΗ Ο ΚΟΠΑΝΟΣ

I SAW THE CHRIST SOLDIER—>>ΕΙΔΑ ΤΟ ΧΡΙΣΤΟ ΦΑΝΤΑΡΟ

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Are you working me? (Με δουλεύεις?)

You changed my lights (Μου άλλαξες τα φώτα)

I | He/She/It | We |You | They did her from hand (Την έκαναν από χέρι)

Welcome my eyes the two (Καλώς τα μάτια μου τα δυό)

Fart me a stonewall of bullocks! (Κλάσε μου μιά μάντρα p00tα)

He is a fart bathtub (είναι κλασομπανιέρας)

Better five and in hand than ten and waiting (Κάλιο 5 και στο χέρι παρα 10 και καρτέρι)

Better donkey-bonding than donkey-searching (Κάλιο γαϊδουρόδενε παρά γαϊδουρογύρευε)

It says! (Λέει)

It counts (Μετράει)

I’ve played them! (Τα έχω παίξει)

I made her lottery! (Την εκανα λαχείο)

I stayed bone! (Εμεινα κόκκαλο)

I saw the Christ soldier. (Είδα τον Χριστό φαντάρο)

It happened the come to see. (Εγινε το έλα να δείς)

Like the unfair curse. (Σαν την άδικη κατάρα)

Something’s running down to the gypsies. (κάτι τρέχει στα γύφτικα)

It didn’t sit on us.(Δεν μας έκατσε)

He gives her to me. (Μου την δίνει)

You take him and you incline (Τον πέρνεις και γέρνεις)

It brakes her to me. (Μου την σπάει)

You owe me your horns. (Μου χρωστά τα κέρατα του)

Who pays the bride. (Ποιός πληρώνει την νύφη?)

He doesn’t understand Christ. (Δεν καταλαβαίνει Χριστό!)

Your mind and a pound and the painter’s brush. (Τα μυαλά σου και μιά λύρα και του μπογιατζή ο κόπανος)

I came out of my clothes. (Βγήκα από τα ρούχα μου)

This place is at Devil’s mother. (Αυτό είναι στου διαόλου την μάνα)

It rains chair legs. (Βρέχει καρεκλοπόδαρα)

Hairs curly. (τρίχες κατσαρές)

I don’t have face to come out in society. (Δεν έχω πρόσωπο να αντικρίσω την κοινωνία)

How from here morning morning? (Πώς από δώ πρωϊ πρωϊ?)

I don’t know my blindness. (Δεν ξέρω την τύφλα μου)

The Blind man’s rights (του στραβού το δίκιο)

I see it pale. (Τα βλέπω χλωμά)

Ηe is dewatered! (Αυτός είναι ξενέρωτος)

You are for the festivals. (Είσαι για τα πανηγύρια)

Three-blanket party. (Τρικούβερτο γλέντι)

They don’t chew. (Δεν μασάνε)

Does the goat chew taramas? (Μασάει η κατσίκα ταραμά?

Does the cat spins in the yoghurt? (Σπινιαρει η γατα στο γιαουρτι)

Slow the cabbages! (Σιγά τα λάχανα)

Sit down well. (κάτσε καλά)

Catch the egg and give it a haircut. (Πιάσε το αυγό και κούρευτο!!)

Are we gluing coffee pots? (Μπρίκια κολλάμε?)

Marrows drums! (Κολοκύθια τούμπανα)

Marrows with oregano. (Κολοκύθια με τη ρίγανη)

I made them salad – I made them sea. (Τα έκανα σαλάτα/ θάλασσα)

We became robes – Robe unbuttoned! (Γίναμε ρόμπες)

I have spit them. (Τά έφτυσα)

He ate bunch. (Εφαγε μπουκέτο)

I throw you to the ears. ( Σου ρίχνω στ’ αυτιά)

I took them to the scul (Τα πήρα στό κρανίο)

Slow the very oil (σιγά τον πολυέλαιο)

Holy Mary’s eyes. (Της Παναγιάς τα μάτια)

Whatever you remember you are glad. (¨Οτι θυμάσαι χαίρεσαι)

Are you asking and the change from over? (Μου ζητάς και τα ρέστα?)

Glass! (Τζάμι!!)

We drank him. (Τον ήπιαμε)

We confused our thighs. (Μπερδέψαμε τα μπούτια μας)

He farted me fat. (Μέ έκλασε χοντρά)

Ηore’s fence. ( Πουτάνας το κάγκελο)

Of the gay. (Του p00t)

She’s taking him. (Τόν παίρνει)

The bad your weather! (Τον κακό σου τον καιρό)

With this side to sleep. (Αυτό το πλευρό να κοιμάσαι)

Your eye the crosseyed! (Το μάτι σου το αλλήθωρο)

I am dogbored. (Σκυλοβαριέμαι)

We did black eyes to see you (Μαυρα μάτια να σε δούμε)

Like the snooooows! (Σαν τα χιόνια)

He made us the three two. (Μας έκανε τα τρία δύο)

I took the third the longest. (Πήρα τό τρίτο το μακρυτερο)

You are a coffee shop. (Είσαι καφενείο)

Shit and fromshit. (Σκατά και απόσκατα)

At the end they shave the groom. (Στο τέλος ξυρίζουν τον γαμπρό)

Sunday short feast. (Κυριακή κοντή γιορτή)

To say the figs figs and the tub tub! (Τα σύκα σύκα και η σκάφη σκάφη)

You do accounts without the hotel owner. (Λογαριάζεις χωρίς τον ξενοδόχο)

The madness doesn’t go to the mountains. (Η τρέλα δεν πάει στα βουνά)

Better your eye goes out than your name. (Καλύτερα να σου βγεί το μάτι παρά το όνομα)

Will I take out the snake from the hole? (Θα βγάλω το φίδι από την τρύπα?)

He sleeps with the hens. (κοιμάται με τις κότες)

He stuck me to the wall. (Με κόλησε στον τοίχο)

I’m sitting on ignited coals. (κάθομαι σε αναμμένα κάρβουνα)

You will eat wood. (Θα φάς ξύλο)

In the boil the iron sticks (στην βράση κολλάει το σίδερο)

They returned me the entrails. (Μου έβγαλε τα σωθικά)

He sat me on the neck. (Μου έκατσε στό σβέρκο)

I balded! – You balded me! (Καράφλιασα – Με καράφλιασες)

If … this happens pierce my nose! (Να μου τρυπήσεις την μύτη)

You took my ears with the music. (Μου πήρες τα αυτιά με την μουσική)

Has the weather turnings. (Εχει ο καιρός γυρίσματα)

I | He/She/It | We |You | They do(es) the duck. (Κάνει την πάπια)

In the down down of the written. (Στο κάτω κάτω της γραφής)

He does the dead bug. (Κάνει τον ψόφιο κοριό)

We dicked it (Την πουτσίσαμε)

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ΚΑΝΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΠΙΑ.
HE DOES THE DUCK.
He’s playing dumb

ΜΕ ΔΟΥΛΕΥΕΙΣ?
ARE YOU WORKING ME?
Are you having me on?

ΜΠΡΙΚΙΑ ΚΟΛΛΑΜΕ?
ARE WE GLUING COFFEE POTS?
What kind of work do you think I do? (when someone is under the impression that your job isn’t worth much)

ΖΗΤΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΑ ΡΕΣΤΑ ΑΠΟ ΠΑΝΩ?
ARE YOU ASKING AND THE CHANGE ON TOP?
Do you want more on top? (as in, you’ve done quite a bit for someone but they still want more, they want the change (ρέστα) as well)

ΚΑΛΛΙΟ ΠΕΝΤΕ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΟ ΧΕΡΙ ΠΑΡΑ ΔΕΚΑ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΡΤΕΡΕΙ.
BETTER FIVE AND IN HAND THAN TEN AND WAITING.
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

ΚΑΛΛΙΟ ΓΑΙΔΟΥΡΟΔΕΝΕ ΠΑΡΑ ΓΑΙΔΟΥΡΟΓΥΡΕΥΕ.
BETTER DONKEY – BONDING THAN DONKEY – SEARCHING.
Better safe than sorry

ΠΙΑΣ’ΤΟ ΑΥΓΟ ΚΑΙ ΚΟΥΡΕΦ’ΤΟ.
CATCH THE EGG AND SHAVE IT.
When somebody asks you to do something that’s not possible (like shaving an egg)

ΔΕΝ ΜΑΣΑΝΕ.
THEY DON’T CHEW.
They’re not buying it (i.e they don’t believe the story)

ΔΕΝ ΚΑΤΑΛΑΒΑΙΝΕΙ ΧΡΙΣΤΟ.
HE DOESN’T UNDERSTAND CHRIST.
There’s no talking to him (he won’t listen)

ΤΡΙΧΕΣ ΚΑΤΣΑΡΕΣ.
HAIRS CURLY.
Stuff and nonesense.. (or “poppycock”)

ΠΩΣ ΑΠΟ ΕΔΩ ΠΡΩΙ ΠΡΩΙ?
HOW FROM HERE MORNING MORNING?

ΣΑΝ ΤΑ ΧΙΟΟΟΝΙΑ.
LIKE THE SNOOOWS!
Long time no see!

ΤΗΣ ΠΟΥΤΑΝΑΣ ΤΟ ΚΑΓΚΕΛΟ.
WHORE’S BANISTER.
A bloody mess

ΕΦΑΓΕ ΠΟΡΤΑ.
HE ATE DOOR.
He was turned down flat

ΚΟΙΜΑΤΑΙ ΜΕ ΤΙΣ ΚΟΤΕΣ.
HE SLEEPS WITH THE CHICKENS.
He goes to bed with the chickens (i.e. early)

ΚΑΤΙ ΤΡΕΧΕΙ ΣΤΑ ΓΥΦΤΙΚΑ.
SOMETHING’S RUNNING AT THE GYPSIES.
Big deal!

ΜΕ ΚΟΛΛΗΣΕ ΣΤΟΝ ΤΟΙΧΟ.
HE STUCK ME TO THE WALL.
He nailed me (his argument was irrefutable)

ΤΑ ΕΚΑΝΑ ΘΑΛΑΣΣΑ.
I MADE THEM OCEAN.
I made a mess of it

ΕΧΕΙ Ο ΚΑΙΡΟΣ ΓΥΡΙΣΜΑΤΑ.
HAS THE WEATHER TURNINGS.
what goes around, comes around

ΤΑ’ΧΩ ΠΑΙΞΕΙ!
I ‘VE PLAYED THEM!
I’ve had enough!

ΕΙΣΑΙ ΨΩΝΙΟ.
YOU ΑRE THE SHOPPING.
You’re a sap

ΠΟΙΟΣ ΠΛΗΡΩΝΕΙ ΤΗ ΝΥΦΗ?
WHO PAYS THE BRIDE?
Who’s paying the piper?

We need your help with these ones:

ΜΕ ΕΚΛΑΣΕ.
HE FARTED ME.

ΣΤΟ ΤΕΛΟΣ ΞΥΡΙΖΟΥΝ ΤΟΝ ΓΑΜΠΡΟ.
AT THE END THEY SHAVE THE GROOM.

ΜΑΣ ΕΚΑΝΕ ΤΑ ΤΡΙΑ ΔΥΟ.
HE MADE US THE THREE TWO

ΤΗΝ ΕΚΑΝΑ ΛΑΧΕΙΟ.
I MADE HER LOTTERY.

ΕΜΕΙΝΑ ΚΟΚΑΛΟ.
I STAYED BONE.

ΕΙΔΑ ΤΟ ΧΡΙΣΤΟ ΦΑΝΤΑΡΟ.
I SAW THE CHRIST SOLDIER.

ΔΕΝ ΞΕΡΩ ΧΡΙΣΤΟ.
I DON’T KNOW CHRIST.

ΔΕΝ ΜΑΣ ΚΑΘΙΣΕ.
IT DIDN’T SIT ON US.

ΒΓΗΚΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΑ ΡΟΥΧΑ ΜΟΥ.
I CAME OUT OF MY CLOTHES.

ΕΒΡΕΞΕ ΚΑΡΕΚΛΟΠΟΔΑΡΑ.
IT RAINED CHAIR LEGS.

ΔΕΝ ΕΧΩ ΜΟΥΤΡΑ ΝΑ ΒΓΩ ΕΞΩ.
I DON’T HAVE FACES TO GO OUTSIDE.

ΔΕΝ ΞΕΡΩ ΤΗΝ ΤΥΦΛΑ ΜΟΥ.
I DON’T KNOW MY BLINDNESS.

ΤΑ’ΧΩ ΦΤΥΣΕΙ.
I HAVE SPIT THEM.

ΜΟΥ ΓΥΡΙΣΕ ΤΑ ΑΝΤΕΡΑ.
HE RETURNED ME THE ENTRAILS.

ΜΟΥ ΚΑΘΙΣΕ ΣΤΟ ΛΑΙΜΟ.
HE SAT ME ON THE NECK.

ΤΑ ΠΗΡΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΡΑΝΙΟ.
I TOOK THEM TO THE SKULL.

ΣΚΥΛΟΒΑΡΙΕΜΑΙ.
I AM DOG BORED.

ΕΚΑΝΑ ΜΑΥΡΑ ΜΑΤΙΑ ΝΑ ΣΕ ΔΩ.
I MADE BLACK EYES TO SEE YOU.

ΠΗΡΑ ΤΑ ΤΡΙΑ ΜΟΥ.
I TOOK MY THREE.

ΚΑΘΟΜΑΙ ΣΕ ΑΝΑΜΜΕΝΑ ΚΑΡΒΟΥΝΑ.
I’M SITTING ON IGNITED COALS.

ΣΑΝ ΤΗΝ ΑΔΙΚΗ ΚΑΤΑΡΑ.
LIKE THE UNFAIR CURSE.

ΚΟΛΟΚΥΘΙΑ ΤΟΥΜΠΑΝΑ!
MARROWS DRUMS!

ΤΟΥ ΠΟΥΣΤΗ!
OF THE GAY!

ΧΛΩΜΟ ΤΟ ΚΟΒΩ.
PALE I CUT IT.

ΚΛΑΣΕ ΜΑΣ ΜΙΑ ΜΑΝΤΡΑ!
FART US A STONEWALL !

ΑΠΟ ΕΔΩ ΠΑΝ’ΚΙ ΟΙ ΑΛΛΟΙ.
FROM HERE GO AND THE OTHERS.

ΣΚΑΤΑ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟ ΣΚΑΤΑ.
SHIT AND FROM SHIT.

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΚΟΝΤΗ ΓΙΟΡΤΗ.
SUNDAY SHORT FEAST.

ΧΕΣΕ ΨΗΛΑ ΚΙ ΑΓΝΑΝΤΕΥΕ.
SHIT HIGH AND GAZE.

ΣΙΓΑ ΤΑ ΛΑΧΑΝΑ.
SLOW THE CABBAGES.

ΤΗΝ ΕΚΑΝΑΝ ΑΠΟ ΧΕΡΙ.
THEY MADE HER FROM HAND.

ΝΑ ΛΕΜΕ ΤΑ ΣΥΚΑ-ΣΥΚΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΗ ΣΚΑΦΗ-ΣΚΑΦΗ.
TO SAY THE FIGS – FIGS AND THE TUB – TUB.

ΤΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΣΤΟΥ ΔΙΑΟΛΟΥ ΤΗ ΜΑΝΑ.
THE UNIVERSITY IS AT DEVIL’S MOTHER.

ΕΙΝΑΙ ΞΕΝΕΡΩΤΟ.
THIS IS DEWATERED.

ΕΓΙΝΑΝ ΡΟΜΠΕΣ-ΡΟΜΠΕΣ ΞΕΚΟΥΜΠΩΤΕΣ.
THEY BECAME ROBES – ROBES UNBUTTONED.

ΤΟΝ ΚΑΚΟ ΣΟΥ ΤΟΝ ΚΑΙΡΟ!
THE BAD YOUR WEATHER!

ΚΑΛΩΣ ΤΑ ΜΑΤΙΑ ΜΟΥ ΤΑ ΔΥΟ.
WELCOME MY EYES THE TWO.

ΟΤΙ ΘΥΜΑΣΑΙ ΧΑΙΡΕΣΑΙ.
WHATEVER YOU REMEMBER YOU ARE GLAD.

ΤOΝ ΗΠΙΑΜΕ.
WE DRANK HIM.

ΜΠΛΕΞΑΜΕ ΤΑ ΜΠΟΥΤΙΑ ΜΑΣ.
WE CONFUSED OUR THIGHS.

ΜΕ ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟ ΠΛΕΥΡΟ ΝΑ ΚΟΙΜΑΣΑΙ.
WITH THIS SIDE TO SLEEP.

ΕΓΩ ΘΑ ΒΓΑΛΩ ΤΟ ΦΙΔΙ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΤΡΥΠΑ?
WILL I TAKE OUT THE SNAKE FROM THE HOLE. ?

ΜΟΥ ΧΡΩΣΤΑΣ ΤΑ ΚΕΡΑΤΑ ΣΟΥ.
YOU OWE ME YOUR HORNS.

ΤΟ ΜΥΑΛΟ ΣΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΜΙΑ ΛΥΡΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΜΠΟΓΙΑΤΖΗ Ο ΚΟΠΑΝΟΣ.
YOUR MIND AND A POUND AND THE PAINTER’S BRUSH.

ΕΧΕΙΣ ΠΟΛΥ ΩΡΑΙΟ ΔΕΡΜΑ.
YOU HAVE VERY NICE LEATHER.

ΕΙΣΑΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΑ ΠΑΝΗΓΥΡΙΑ.
YOU ARE FOR THE FESTIVALS.

ΤΟ ΜΑΤΙ ΣΟΥ Τ’ΑΛΛΗΘΩΡΟ.
YOUR EYE THE CROSSEYED

ΥΠΟΛΟΓΙΖΕΙΣ ΧΩΡΙΣ ΤΟΝ ΞΕΝΟΔΟΧΟ.
YOU RECKON WITHOUT THE HOTEL OWNER.

ΘΑ ΦΑΣ ΞΥΛΟ.
YOU WILL EAT WOOD.

ΜΟΥ ΕΦΑΓΕΣ ΤΑ ΑΥΤΙΑ.
YOU ATE MY EARS.

l

You are for the festivals. (Είσαι για τα πανηγύρια).

Three – blanket party. (Τρικούβερτο γλέντι).

Does the goat chew taramas? (Μασάει η κατσίκα ταραμά;)

Does the cat spins in the yogurt? (Σπινάρει η γάτα στο γιαούρτι;)

Catch the egg and give it a haircut! (Πιάσε το αυγό και κούρευτο!)

My animals… slow! (Τα ζώα μου… αργά!)

Are we gluing coffee pots? (Μπρίκια κολλάμε;)

Marrow’s drums! (Κολοκύθια τούμπανα!)

Marrow’s with oregano. (Κολοκύθια με τη ρίγανη).

I made them salad! (Τα έκανα σαλάτα!)

We became robes – Robe unbuttoned! (Γίναμε ρόμπες!) – Ρόμπες ξεκούμπωτες.

I have spit them! (Τα έφτυσα!)

I throw you to the ears. (Σου ρίχνω στ’ αυτιά).

I took them to the scull! (τα πήρα στο κρανίο!)

Slow the chandelier! (σιγά τον πολυέλαιο!)

Whatever you remember you are glad! (Ό,τι θυμάσαι χαίρεσαι!)

Are you asking and the change from over?(Μου ζητάς και τα ρέστα από πάνω;)

Glass! (Τζάμι!)

We drank him. (Τον ήπιαμε).

We confused our thighs! (Μπερδέψαμε τα μπούτια μας!)

The gay’s. (Του πού…τη).

The bad your weather! (Τον κακό σου τον καιρό!)

Your eye the crosseyed! (Το μάτι σου το αλλήθωρο)!

I’ am dogbored. (Σκυλοβαριέμαι).

We did black eyes to see you. (Κάναμε μαύρα μάτια να σε δούμε).

Like the snoooows! (Σαν τα χιόνιααα!)

He made us the three two. (Μας έκανε τα τρία δύο).

I took from the three the longest. (Πήρα από τα τρία το μακρύτερο).

At the end they shave the groom. (Στο τέλος ξυρίζουν τον γαμπρό).

Sunday short feast. (Κυριακή κοντή γιορτή)

A
ARE YOU WORKING ME?
ΜΕ ΔΟΥΛΕΥΕΙΣ;

ARE WE GLUING COFFEE POTS?
ΜΠΡΙΚΙΑ ΚΟΛΛΑΜΕ;

ARE YOU ASKING AND THE CHANGE FROM OVER?
ΖΗΤΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΑ ΡΕΣΤΑ ΑΠΟ ΠΑΝΩ;

AT THE END THEY SHAVE THE GROOM.
ΣΤΟ ΤΕΛΟΣ ΞΥΡΙΖΟΥΝ ΤΟΝ ΓΑΜΠΡΟ.

B
BETTER FIVE AND IN HAND THAN TEN AND WAITING.
ΚΑΛΛΙΟ ΠΕΝΤΕ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΟ ΧΕΡΙ ΠΑΡΑ ΔΕΚΑ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΡΤΕΡΕΙ.

BETTER DONKEY-BONDING THAN DONKEY-SEARCHING.
ΚΑΛΛΙΟ ΓΑΙΔΟΥΡΟΔΕΝΕ ΠΑΡΑ ΓΑΙΔΟΥΡΟΓΥΡΕΥΕ.

C
CATCH THE EGG AND MOW IT.
ΠΙΑΣΤΟ ΑΥΓΟ ΚΑΙ ΚΟΥΡΕΦΤΟ.

D
DOES THE GOAT CHOW SALTED FISH ROE???
ΜΑΣΑΕΙ Η ΚΑΤΣΙΚΑ ΤΑΡΑΜΑ;

F
FART US A STONEWALL!
ΚΛΑΣΕ ΜΑΣ ΜΙΑ ΜΑΝΤΡΑ!

FROM HERE GO AND THE OTHERS.
ΑΠΟ ΕΔΩ ΠΑΝ’ ΚΙ ΟΙ ΑΛΛΟΙ.

G
GLASS!
ΤΖΑΜΙ!

Η
HE DOESN’T UNDERSTAND CHRIST.
ΔΕΝ ΚΑΤΑΛΑΒΑΙΝΕΙ ΧΡΙΣΤΟ.

HAIRS CURLY.
ΤΡΙΧΕΣ ΚΑΤΣΑΡΕΣ.

HOW FROM HERE MORNING MORNING?
ΠΩΣ ΑΠΟ ΕΔΩ ΠΡΩΙ ΠΡΩΙ;

HE ATE DOOR.
ΕΦΑΓΕ ΠΟΡΤΑ.

HE FARTED ME.
ΜΕ ΕΚΛΑΣΕ.

HE MADE US THE THREE, TWO.
ΜΑΣ ΕΚΑΝΕ ΤΑ ΤΡΙΑ, ΔΥΟ.

HE SLEEPS WITH THE CHICKENS.
ΚΟΙΜΑΤΑΙ ΜΕ ΤΙΣ ΚΟΤΕΣ.

HE STUCK ME TO THE WALL.
ΜΕ ΚΟΛΛΗΣΕ ΣΤΟΝ ΤΟΙΧΟ.

HE RETURNED ME THE ENTRAILS.
ΜΟΥ ΓΥΡΙΣΕ ΤΑ ΑΝΤΕΡΑ.

HE SAT ME ON THE NECK.
ΜΟΥ ΚΑΘΙΣΕ ΣΤΟ ΛΑΙΜΟ.

HAS THE WEATHER TURNINGS.
ΕΧΕΙ Ο ΚΑΙΡΟΣ ΓΥΡΙΣΜΑΤΑ.

HE DOES THE DUCK.
ΚΑΝΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΠΙΑ.

Ι
IT SAYS!
ΛΕΕΙ!

I ‘VE PLAYED THEM!
ΤΑ ‘ΧΩ ΠΑΙΞΕΙ!

I MADE HER LOTTERY.
ΤΗΝ ΕΚΑΝΑ ΛΑΧΕΙΟ.

I STAYED BONE.
ΕΜΕΙΝΑ ΚΟΚΑΛΟ.

I SAW THE CHRIST SOLDIER.
ΕΙΔΑ ΤΟ ΧΡΙΣΤΟ ΦΑΝΤΑΡΟ.

I DON’T KNOW CHRIST.
ΔΕΝ ΞΕΡΩ ΧΡΙΣΤΟ.

IT DIDN’T SIT ON US.
ΔΕΝ ΜΑΣ ΚΑΘΙΣΕ.

I CAME OUT OF MY CLOTHES.
ΒΓΗΚΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΑ ΡΟΥΧΑ ΜΟΥ.

IT RAINED CHAIR LEGS.
ΕΒΡΕΞΕ ΚΑΡΕΚΛΟΠΟΔΑΡΑ.

I DON’T HAVE FACES TO COME OUT.
ΔΕΝ ΕΧΩ ΜΟΥΤΡΑ ΝΑ ΒΓΩ ΕΞΩ.

I DON’T KNOW MY BLINDNESS.
ΔΕΝ ΞΕΡΩ ΤΗΝ ΤΥΦΛΑ ΜΟΥ.

I MADE THEM SEA.
ΤΑ ΕΚΑΝΑ ΘΑΛΑΣΣΑ.

I HAVE SPIT THEM.
ΤΑ ‘ΧΩ ΦΤΥΣΕΙ.

I TOOK THEM TO THE SKULL.
ΤΑ ΠΗΡΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΡΑΝΙΟ.

I AM DOGBORED.
ΣΚΥΛΟΒΑΡΙΕΜΑΙ.

I MADE BLACK EYES TO SEE YOU.
ΕΚΑΝΑ ΜΑΥΡΑ ΜΑΤΙΑ ΝΑ ΣΕ ΔΩ.

I TOOK MY THREE.
ΠΗΡΑ ΤΑ ΤΡΙΑ ΜΟΥ.

I’M SITTING ON IGNITED COALS.
ΚΑΘΟΜΑΙ ΣΕ ΑΝΑΜΜΕΝΑ ΚΑΡΒΟΥΝΑ.

L
LIKE THE SNOOWS!
ΣΑΝ ΤΑ ΧΙΟΟΟΝΙΑ.

LIKE THE UNFAIR CURSE.
ΣΑΝ ΤΗΝ ΑΔΙΚΗ ΚΑΤΑΡΑ.

Μ
MARROWS DRUMS!
ΚΟΛΟΚΥΘΙΑ ΤΟΥΜΠΑΝΑ!

Ο
OF THE GAY!
ΤΟΥ ΠΟΥΣΤΗ!

P
PALE I CUT IT.
ΧΛΩΜΟ ΤΟ ΚΟΒΩ.

S
SOMETHING’S RUNNING AT THE GYPSIES.
ΚΑΤΙ ΤΡΕΧΕΙ ΣΤΑ ΓΥΦΤΙΚΑ.

SHIT AND FROMSHIT.
ΣΚΑΤΑ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΣΚΑΤΑ.

SUNDAY SHORT FEAST.
ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΚΟΝΤΗ ΓΙΟΡΤΗ.

SHIT HIGH AND GAZE.
ΧΕΣΕ ΨΗΛΑ ΚΙ ΑΓΝΑΝΤΕΥΕ.

SLOW THE CABBAGES.
ΣΙΓΑ ΤΑ ΛΑΧΑΝΑ.

SLOW THE MUCH OIL!
ΣΙΓΑ ΤΟΝ ΠΟΛΥΕΛΑΙΟ!

T
THEY MADE HER FROM HAND.
ΤΗΝ ΕΚΑΝΑΝ ΑΠΟ ΧΕΡΙ.

TO SAY THE FIGS-FIGS AND THE TUB-TUB.
ΝΑ ΛΕΜΕ ΤΑ ΣΥΚΑ-ΣΥΚΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΗ ΣΚΑΦΗ-ΣΚΑΦΗ.

THE UNIVERSITY IS AT DEVIL’S MOTHER.
ΤΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΣΤΟΥ ΔΙΑΟΛΟΥ ΤΗ ΜΑΝΑ.

THIS IS DEWATERED.
ΕΙΝΑΙ ΞΕΝΕΡΩΤΟ.

THEY DON’T CHEW.
ΔΕΝ ΜΑΣΑΝΕ.

THEY BECAME ROBES – ROBES UNBUTTONED.
ΕΓΙΝΑΝ ΡΟΜΠΕΣ – ΡΟΜΠΕΣ ΞΕΚΟΥΜΠΩΤΕΣ.

THE BAD YOUR WEATHER!
ΤΟΝ ΚΑΚΟ ΣΟΥ ΤΟΝ ΚΑΙΡΟ!

W
WELCOME MY EYES THE TWO.
ΚΑΛΩΣ ΤΑ ΜΑΤΙΑ ΜΟΥ ΤΑ ΔΥΟ.

WHO PAYS THE BRIDE?
ΠΟΙΟΣ ΠΛΗΡΩΝΕΙ ΤΗ ΝΥΦΗ;

WHATEVER YOU REMEMBER YOU ARE GLAD.
ΟΤΙ ΘΥΜΑΣΑΙ ΧΑΙΡΕΣΑΙ.

WE DRANK HIM.
ΤOΝ ΗΠΙΑΜΕ.

WE CONFUSED OUR THIGHS.
ΜΠΛΕΞΑΜΕ ΤΑ ΜΠΟΥΤΙΑ ΜΑΣ.

WHORE’S BANISTER.
ΤΗΣ ΠΟΥΤΑΝΑΣ ΤΟ ΚΑΓΚΕΛΟ.

WITH THIS SIDE TO SLEEP.
ΜΕ ΑΥΤΟ ΤΟ ΠΛΕΥΡΟ ΝΑ ΚΟΙΜΑΣΑΙ.

WILL I TAKE OUT THE SNAKE FROM THE HOLE?
ΕΓΩ ΘΑ ΒΓΑΛΩ ΤΟ ΦΙΔΙ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΤΡΥΠΑ;

Υ
YOU OWE ME YOUR HORNS.
ΜΟΥ ΧΡΩΣΤΑΣ ΤΑ ΚΕΡΑΤΑ ΣΟΥ.

YOUR MIND AND A POUND AND THE PAINTER’S BRUSH.
ΤΟ ΜΥΑΛΟ ΣΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΜΙΑ ΛΥΡΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΟΥ ΜΠΟΓΙΑΤΖΗ Ο ΚΟΠΑΝΟΣ.

YOU HAVE VERY NICE LEATHER.
ΕΧΕΙΣ ΠΟΛΥ ΩΡΑΙΟ ΔΕΡΜΑ.

YOU ARE FOR THE FESTIVALS.
ΕΙΣΑΙ ΓΙΑ ΤΑ ΠΑΝΗΓΥΡΙΑ.

YOUR EYE THE CROSSEYED.
ΤΟ ΜΑΤΙ ΣΟΥ Τ’ ΑΛΛΗΘΩΡΟ.

YOU ΑRE THE SHOPPING.
ΕΙΣΑΙ ΨΩΝΙΟ.

YOU RECKON WITHOUT THE HOTEL OWNER.
ΥΠΟΛΟΓΙΖΕΙΣ ΧΩΡΙΣ ΤΟΝ ΞΕΝΟΔΟΧΟ.

YOU WILL EAT WOOD.
ΘΑ ΦΑΣ ΞΥΛΟ.

YOU ATE MY EARS.
ΜΟΥ ΕΦΑΓΕΣ ΤΑ ΑΥΤΙΑ.

YOU WILL SEE JESUS SOLDIER
ΘΑ ΔΕΙΣ ΤΟΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΟ ΦΑΝΤΑΡΟ

He gives her to me

μου τη δινει

It happened to come to see.

εγινε το ελα να δεις

Good Wines = Καλά κρασιά

Thousand Sorry = Χίλια συγγνώμη

I took them on the skull

Τα πήρα στο κρανίο

Whore’s banister

Της πουτάνας το κάγκελο

What ever you remember you are glad

Ότι θυμάσαι χαίρεσαι

Something’s running at the gipsies

Κάτι τρέχει στα γύφτικα

We Drank Him

Τον ήπιαμε

Who pays the bride?

Ποιος πληρώνει τη νύφη;

l

So there you have it: a comprehensive list of popular Greek sayings and their complete literal English translations.

You must admit, the Greeks have some of the most original, hilarious, unique ways of expressing themselves through words. Don’t they?

So the next time you’re in a situation that calls for any of these lines to be used, think back to what you read here today, and if the timing is right, toss in a quote from the list above.

Did we miss any popular Greek expressions? Probably. Add to the discussion by throwing in a few lines of your own in the comment section below!