These animal expressions
Kamarad kamaron
Literally meaning "friend" and "shrimp," this saying refers to a smooth talker, someone who can't be trusted. It serves as a reminder that seemingly sympathetic friends can turn out to be false and ready to betray you.
In dizef poul napa gagn ti kanar
This expression conveys the idea that "The hen's egg doesn't contain a duckling," much like the English saying "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree". It highlights the striking resemblance among family members, with parents symbolized as hens and their offspring as eggs, emphasizing that characteristics often run in the family.
Bef travay souval manze
Bef travay souval manze vividly describes the Mauritian political landscape, implying that "The oxen work, and the horses eat." In English, this is akin to "Riding on someone's coattails." It colorfully criticizes those who benefit from others' efforts without contributing themselves.
These insightful expressions
Bate rande napa fer dimal
In Mauritian Creole, this saying embodies the principle of reciprocity. It's the Creole equivalent of "don't do unto others what you wouldn't want done to you," encouraging kindness and understanding toward others, as we all appreciate respectful treatment.
Dan vye karay ki fer meyer kari
This expression is equivalent to the English saying "It's like fine wine, it gets better with age.” It emphasizes the value of experience and wisdom gained over the years.
Frekant lisien gayn piss
Frekant lisien gayn pis underscores the influence of our social circle. In Mauritian Creole, it conveys the message that associating with the wrong crowd can lead to trouble. It serves as a reminder of the importance of surrounding oneself with positive individuals for a fulfilling life.
Expressions that have faded over time
Some expressions in Mauritian Creole have gradually fallen out of modern usage. For example, "Enn baydoum" was employed to describe the person responsible for emptying latrines, a far from glamorous occupation but crucial for public hygiene. "Get so bataz" was a playful term for someone who appeared unkempt in their appearance. Similarly, "katak charli" referred to riding in an old car, harkening back to a time when cars were not as commonplace or luxurious as they are today.
Numbers held special meanings in old Creole. For instance, "35" denoted a beautiful woman, while the number 4 was associated with death.
