Category: Phrases

Did one of the characters on the Sopranos call a woman a "goomar?" Are you wondering what it means? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "goomar" is an American-Italian word for "mistress" or "side-piece." It's a phrase appearing in many Italian-American gangster movies like "Casino," "Goodfellas," and others. […]

Are you looking for a word to describe the youngest member of a K-pop band? You could say they are a “maknae.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “Maknae” is a Korean word translating to “youngest brother.” However, someone doesn’t have to be related to you to call […]

Did you thank a Spanish gentleman for helping you out, and he replied with "mucho gusto?" What does that mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this Spanish expression. Meaning The expression "mucho gusto" means "my pleasure" in Spanish. It's a way of telling someone that they are welcome for your assistance. Typically, […]

Are you visiting a friend with Italian-American heritage for supper? Don’t be surprised if his mother or wife says “Mangia!” when serving your meal. What does this Italian word mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “Mangia!” is Italian and translates to “eat up!” Mangia is the imperative […]

Are you looking for a pet name for your girlfriend, wife, or daughter? You could call them "Mo cuishle" to show them you care for them deeply. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The saying "mo cuishle" is a misspelling of the Irish saying "chuisle mo chroí," meaning, "pulse of […]

Are you looking for a way to say you’re enjoying life or life is beautiful? Why not be classy and use the French term “La Vie en Rose” to describe how you feel? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “La Vie en Rose” means “life in rosy hues” […]

Did someone around you just call a little girl their “Mija?” What does that word mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The word “Mija” translates from Spanish to “little girl” or “my little daughter.” It also can serve as a pet name referring to terms of endearment like sweetie, […]

Are you calling a Japanese person? Don’t be surprised if they pick up the phone and say, “moshi moshi.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this telephonic expression. Meaning The expression “moshi moshi” (もしもし) is a common phrase in the Japanese language. Japanese people, especially young women, use it when answering the phone […]

Did an old lady say "much obliged" to you after holding the door open for her when leaving the store? Why didn't she just say "thanks" instead? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression "much obliged" is another way of saying "thank you very much." Technically, the phrase means […]

Are you looking for an expression describing the failure of a project after it receives no support? You could say that it went down like a “lead balloon.” This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression “lead balloon” describes a project, idea, or process that was a total failure due […]