When it comes to informal language, we realize that certain expressions have already been incorporated into the vocabulary of speakers, it all seems so automatic, that we often say them without even understanding the real meaning. But how about we know their origin, so that we can enrich our knowledge about language?
Going back to pre-modern times, there was a very common expression among couples who wanted to feel more comfortable without anyone being holding the candle.
Well, this expression "Hold Candle" it dates back to a very historic past. When there were no lamps, the main source of light was candles.
It was not uncommon at the time for manual workers to hold them so that their master could see what he was doing.
In places open to the public at night, such as theaters, boys lit and held candles to light the stage.
In obscure medieval times, a servant in the house had a singular and discreet obligation: to hold a lamp to light up the masters' sexual relations, however, the servants should have their backs turned so as not to see the revels and thus not invade the couple's privacy - although they could hear moans and grunts, sounds of their own alcove. The grotesque procedure fell out of favor, obviously, after the invention of electricity.
If we were to associate this expression to current modernity, it would certainly be restricted to the universe of slang, as being that person who is not well accepted, that “diffuses” the coexistence.
Another expression is Mutt - which portrays that dog with no pedigree, the lowest representative of the canine breed, who lives on the street rummaging through garbage in search of food, with no one who is interested in him.
Around the 40's, Carlito Rocha, then president of Botafogo - Rio, fell in love with a black and white spotted mutt, the colors of the carioca alvinegro.
He turned Biriba into the club's mascot, and legend has it that the animal helped the team raise the 1948 title, with only one defeat - to São Cristóvão, by 4X0, in the first game of the championship.
It may be a legend, but there are people who believe...
Crown - It's a joking term given to people over 40 years old. But the expression comes from the Latin corona, circle, wheel.
In physical terms, it is the circular-shaped ornament worn over the head as a symbol of power and legitimacy - even in beauty contests.
It is the circular tonsure worn by priests on the top of the head, the circle of light that forms around the Sun or Moon as a result of the modification of light in the moist atmosphere.
The enamel-coated part of the tooth, the floral arrangement on the tomb and the ornament that rounds off the top of a building, its crowning.
Did you realize how many meanings? However, no analogy with the human figure over 40 years old, is it?
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
By Vânia Duarte
Graduated in Letters
Brazil School Team
Grammar - Brazil School
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
DUARTE, Vânia Maria do Nascimento. "The popular origin of certain Brazilian expressions"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/gramatica/a-origem-popular-certas-expressoes-brasileiras.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
