In Puerto Rico, we have many unique sayings - some local and some adopted with a twist. Yet, for a true Medalla Drinker, these expressions are never lost in translation

Savour in the wisdom of Medalla Drinkers.

Find your Medalla Light

“Older than Methuselah.”

Used to describe something very old.

Translation in spanish

“Más viejo que Matusalén.”

Se usa para describir algo que es muy viejo.

Phonetic:
/Mahs vyeh-hoh keh Mah-too-sah-lehn/

“The bark guards the tree.”

A sarcastic way of telling someone that doesn’t shower frequently that the dirt will protect them just like the bark saves the tree.

Translation in spanish

“La cáscara guarda el palo.”

Una forma sarcástica de decirle a alguien que no se ducha con frecuencia que la suciedad lo protegerá, al igual que la corteza protege al árbol.

Phonetic:
/Lahs kahs-kah-rah gwahr-dah ehl pah-loh/

“To cry to maternity.”

Said when a person complains too much for no reason and you want them to take their complaints elsewhere.

Translation in spanish

“A llorar pa' maternidad.”

Se dice cuando alguien se queja demasiado sin razón y quieres que lleven sus quejas a otro lado.

Phonetic:
/Ah yoh-rahr pah mah-tehr-nee-dahd/

“At night, all cats are black.”

It means that in certain circumstances, differences don't matter and everything seems the same.

Translation in spanish

“De noche, todos los gatos son pardos.”

Indica que en ciertas circunstancias, las diferencias no importan y todo parece igual.

Phonetic:
/Deh noh-cheh, toh-dohs lohs gah-tohs sohn pahr-dohs/

“The duck pooped in the living room.”

Indicates that something went very wrong or an unexpected disaster occurred.

Translation in spanish

“Se cagó el pato en la sala.”

Se usa cuando algo sale muy mal o se produjo un desastre inesperado.

Phonetic:
/Seh kah-goh ehl pah-toh ehn lah sah-lah/

“Ponce is Ponce, the rest is parking.”

Highlights the importance and pride of the city of Ponce, implying that everything else is insignificant in comparison.

Translation in spanish

“Ponce es Ponce y lo demás es parking.”

Destaca la importancia y el orgullo de la ciudad de Ponce, insinuando que todo lo demás es insignificante en comparación.

Phonetic:
/Pohn-seh es Pohn-seh ee loh deh-mahs es pahr-king/

“One of sand and one of lime.”

Refers to the mix of good and bad situations that happen in life, often unexpectedly.

Translation in spanish

“Una de arena y una de cal.”

Se refiere a la mezcla de situaciones buenas y malas que ocurren en la vida, a menudo de manera inesperada.

Phonetic:
/Oo-nah deh ah-reh-nah ee oo-nah deh kahl/

“Don’t change me the cartoons.”

Used to tell someone not to change the conditions of a situation, to stay on point.

Translation in spanish

“No me cambies los muñequitos.”

Se usa para decirle a alguien que no cambie las condiciones de una situación, que se mantenga en el punto.

Phonetic:
/No meh kahm-bee-ehs lohs moo-nyeh-kee-tohs/

“A thief judges by his condition.”

When someone judges you for something, it is because that person is actually the one doing it.

Translation in spanish

“Ladrón juzga por su condición.”

Cuando alguien te juzga por algo, es porque realmente es esa persona la que lo está haciendo.

Phonetic:
/Lah-drohn hooz-gah por soo kohn-dee-syohn/

“To whom God gave it, may Saint Peter bless it.”

Accept with resignation the success or failure of a situation.

Translation in spanish

“A quien Dios se lo dio, que San Pedro se lo bendiga.”

Aceptar con resignación el éxito o fracaso de una situación.

Phonetic:
/Ah kyehn Dyohs seh loh dee-oh, keh Sahn Peh-droh seh loh ben-dee-gah/

“You're like the white rice.”

Indicates that a person is present everywhere or participates in many activities or events. Has a good social life.

Translation in spanish

“Estás como el arroz blanco.”

Indica que una persona está presente en todos lados, o participa en muchas actividades o eventos. Buena vida social.

Phonetic:
/Eh-stahs koh-moh ehl ah-rohs blahn-koh/

“You appear to me even in the soups.”

Used to express that you encounter the same person everywhere, often in an annoying or unexpected way.

Translation in spanish

“Me sales hasta en las sopas.”

Se utiliza para expresar que encuentras a la misma persona en todas partes, a menudo de manera molesta o inesperada.

Phonetic:
/Meh sah-lehs ahs-tah ehn lahs soh-pahs/

“The pig gets caught, if it squeals, let 'em loose.”

Refers to wanting to do something, but hesitating or stopping due to fear of others' disapproval.

Translation in spanish

“El puerco se coge, si grita, se suelta.”

Se refiere a cuando quieres hacer algo, pero dudas o te detienes por miedo a la desaprobación de otros.

Phonetic:
/Ehl pwer-koh seh koh-heh, see gree-tah seh swehl-tah/

“They take me like a stolen pig.”

Used to describe when you are being rushed or forced to do something faster than you would like.

Translation in spanish

“Me llevan como puerca robá.”

Se usa para describir cuando te están apurando o forzando a hacer algo más rápido de lo que te gustaría.

Phonetic:
/Meh yeh-vahn koh-moh pwehr-kah roh-bah/

“A lot for penny.”

Used to describe something that is very cheap or obtained in large quantities for little money.

Translation in spanish

“A montón por chavo.”

Se usa para describir algo que es muy barato o que se obtiene en grandes cantidades por poco dinero.

Phonetic:
/Ah mohn-tohn por chah-voh/

“Dressed like a bride.”

Describes a beer that is very cold, almost frozen, with ice visible through the bottle's glass.

Translation in spanish

“Vestida de novia.”

Describe una cerveza que está muy fría, casi congelada, con hielo visible a través del cristal de la botella.

Phonetic:
/Vehs-tee-dah deh noh-vyah/

“Pumpkin, pumpkin, everyone to their home.”

Used at the end of a gathering to indicate that it's time for everyone to go home.

Translation in spanish

“Calabaza, calabaza, todo el mundo para su casa.”

Se utiliza al final de un evento para indicar que es hora de que todos se vayan a sus casas.

Phonetic:
/Kah-lah-bah-sah, kah-lah-bah-sah, toh-doh ehl moon-doh pah-rah soo kah-sah/

“I’m sweating the fat drop.”

Expresses that someone is sweating profusely due to physical exertion or extreme heat.

Translation in spanish

“Estoy sudando la gota gorda.”

Expresa que alguien está sudando profusamente debido al esfuerzo físico o al calor extremo.

Phonetic:
/Es-toy soo-dahn-doh lah goh-tah gor-dah/

“They're nail and dirt.”

Describes a very close and strong relationship between two people, inseparable.

Translation in spanish

“Son uña y mugre.”

Describe una relación muy cercana y fuerte entre dos personas, inseparables.

Phonetic:
/Soh-mohs oo-nyah ee moo-greh/

“For a baby bird, you flew a lot.”

Used to point out that someone has exaggerated in their actions or achievements.

Translation in spanish

“Pa' pichón, mucho volaste.”

Se utiliza para señalar que alguien ha exagerado en sus acciones o en sus logros.

Phonetic:
/Pah pee-chon moo-choh voh-lahs-teh/

“Clear accounts conserve friendships.”

Indicates that being honest and transparent in financial matters or commitments helps to maintain good relationships.

Translation in spanish

“Cuentas claras conservan amistades”

Indica que ser honesto y transparente en asuntos financieros o compromisos ayuda a mantener buenas relaciones.

Phonetic:
/Kwehn-tahs klah-rahs kohn-sehr-vahn ah-mees-tah-dehs/

“A friend is a dollar in the pocket.”

Used to point out that someone has friends out of convenience.

Translation in spanish

“Amigo es un peso en el bolsillo.”

Se le dice a alguien para que caiga en cuenta que tiene amistades por conveniencia.

Phonetic:
/Ah-mee-goh es oon peh-soh en ehl bohl-see-yoh/

“Either the nail goes in, or the board cracks.”

Indicates that something will happen one way or another, inevitably.

Translation in spanish

“O entra el clavo, o se raja la tabla.”

Indica que algo sucederá de una manera u otra, inevitablemente.

Phonetic:
/Oh ehn-trah ehl klah-voh, oh seh rah-hah lah tah-blah/

“Misses me, spider.”

Used to express surprise or disbelief at someone's unexpected action.

Translation in spanish

“Me extraña, araña.”

Se usa para expresar sorpresa o incredulidad ante una acción inesperada de alguien.

Phonetic:
/Meh ehks-trah-nyah, ah-rah-nyah/

“Better to say sorry than to ask for permission.”

Indicates that sometimes it's easier to act and deal with the consequences later, rather than seeking approval first.

Translation in spanish

“Mejor pedir perdón que pedir permiso.”

Indica que a veces es más fácil actuar y enfrentar las consecuencias después, en lugar de buscar aprobación primero.

Phonetic:
/Meh-hor peh-deer pehr-dohn keh peh-deer pehr-mee-soh/

“The drop falls on the stone so much, until it makes a hole.”

Expresses that persistence and consistency can overcome any obstacle or resistance.

Translation in spanish

“Tanto cae la gota encima de la piedra, hasta que le hace un hoyo.”

Expresa que la persistencia y la constancia pueden superar cualquier obstáculo o resistencia.

Phonetic:
Tahn-toh kah-eh lah goh-tah ehn-see-mah deh lah pyeh-drah, ahs-tah keh leh ah-seh oon oh-yoh.

“Without hairs on the tongue.”

Used to describe someone not afraid to speak up and tell it like it is.

Translation in spanish

“Sin pelos en la lengua.”

Se usa para describir a alguien que no tiene miedo de hablar y decir las cosas como son.

Phonetic:
/Seen peh-lohs ehn lah lehn-gwah/

“First it was Monday than Tuesday.”

Used to express that one person has more priority than another.

Translation in spanish

“Primero fue lunes que martes.”

Se usa para expresar que una persona tiene más prioridad que otra.

Phonetic:
/Pree-meh-roh fweh loo-nehs keh mahr-tehs/

“Full belly, happy heart.”

Indicates that when someone is well-fed, they feel satisfied and happy.

Translation in spanish

“Barriga llena, corazón contento.”

Indica que cuando alguien está bien alimentado, se siente satisfecho y feliz.

Phonetic:
/Bah-ree-gah yeh-nah, koh-rah-sohn kohn-tehn-toh/

“There is no bad that lasts 100 years, or body that can resist it.”

Expresses that no negative situation lasts forever and that it will eventually be overcome.

Translation in spanish

“No hay mal que dure 100 años, ni cuerpo que lo resista.”

Expresa que ninguna situación negativa dura para siempre y que eventualmente se superará.

Phonetic:
/No ahy mahl keh doo-reh see-ehn ah-nyohs nee kwher-poh keh loh reh-sees-tah/

“Happy the eyes that see you.”

Conveys the happiness of reconnecting with someone after a long period without seeing each other.

Translation in spanish

“Felices los ojos que te ven.”

Expresa la felicidad de reencontrarse con alguien después de mucho tiempo sin verse.

Phonetic:
/Feh-lee-sehs lohs oh-hohs keh teh ven/

“Fire to the can.”

Used to describe when you are doing many things at the same time or having a very busy day.

Translation in spanish

“Fuego a la lata.”

Se usa para describir cuando estás haciendo muchas cosas al mismo tiempo o teniendo un día muy ocupado.

Phonetic:
/Fweh-goh ah lah lah-tah/

“Save bread for May and malojo for your horse.”

Indicates that you should not throw away today what you might need tomorrow.

Translation in spanish

“Guarda pan para mayo y malojo pa' tu caballo.”

Indica que no debes desechar hoy lo que mañana podrías necesitar.

Phonetic:
/Gwar-dah pahn pah-rah mah-yoh ee mah-loh-ho pah too kah-bah-yoh/

“They're more stuck than gum on hot asphalt.”

Describes the situation where an artist or a person gains great fame and becomes a hot topic of conversation.

Translation in spanish

“Están más pega'os que un chicle en brea caliente.”

Describe la situación en la que un artista o una persona adquiere gran fama y es tema de conversación constante.

Phonetic:
/Es-tan mahs peh-gah-ohs keh oon chee-kleh ehn breh-ah kahl-yehn-teh/

“I'll catch you going down.”

It refers to a situation where someone made an offensive comment, and although the person who was offended did not respond at that moment, they plan to return the gesture in the future.

Translation in spanish

“Te cojo bajando.”

Se refiere a una situación en la que alguien hizo un comentario ofensivo, y aunque a la persona que ofendieron no respondió en ese momento, planea devolverle el gesto en el futuro.

Phonetic:
/Teh koh-ho bah-hahn-doh/

“More closed than an egg.”

Indica que una persona es incapaz de entender algo claramente o es extremadamente obstinada.

Translation in spanish

“Estás más cerra'o que un huevo.”

Indica que una persona es incapaz de entender algo claramente o es extremadamente obstinada.

Phonetic:
/Eh-stahs mahs seh-rrah-oh keh oon weh-voh/

“Serving yourself with the big spoon.”

Indicates taking the best or largest part of something for oneself.

Translation in spanish

“Servirse con la cuchara grande.”

Indica tomar la mejor o mayor parte de algo para uno mismo.

Phonetic:
/Sehr-veer-seh kohn lah koo-chah-rah grahn-deh/

“I'll tell you the miracle, but not the saint.”

Used to narrate an astonishing story or event without revealing the source or person involved.

Translation in spanish

“Le cuento el milagro, pero no el santo.”

Se utiliza para narrar una historia o evento sorprendente sin revelar la fuente o la persona involucrada.

Phonetic:
Leh kwen-toh ehl mee-lah-groh peh-roh noh ehl sahn-toh.

“More lost than the sandwich bread's wire.”

Describes someone who is completely disoriented or confused.

Translation in spanish

“Más perdío que un alambre de pan especial.”

Describe a alguien que está completamente desorientado o confundido.

Phonetic:
/Mahs pehr-dee-oh keh oon ah-lahm-breh deh pahn ehs-peh-see-ahl/

“Pitch to crazy.”

Indicates that you should ignore something or someone as if it doesn't matter.

Translation in spanish

“Pichea pa' loco.”

Indica que debes ignorar algo o a alguien como si no importara.

Phonetic:
/Pee-cheh-ah pah loh-koh/

“Dancing at the spinning top's house.”

Expression referring to facing a situation where one is at a disadvantage or in unfamiliar territory.

Translation in spanish

“Bailar en casa del trompo.”

Expresión que se refiere a enfrentarse a una situación en la que uno está en desventaja o en territorio desconocido.

Phonetic:
/by-LAHR en KAH-sah del TROHM-poh/