Genealogy / Do Polish people have big noses? [450]

Micha, I'm from a "big nose" family too, but I would never consider plastic surgery.
I LIKE my big snout. :) It gives a character to the face. Some of my nephews and nieces "inherited" it as well.
Anyway, I always thought that big noses and big ears were a part of being jewish (I'm not), so it's not really true. Most polish people have lovely, shapely noses.

Genealogy / Do Polish people have big noses? [450]

A big nose gives a character to the face. A lot of historical, prominent leaders had big noses.

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]



Hey, he can always go back to the church and confess :)

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

To settle some posts above:

"Dziewka" is a very old word and means a young, unmarried woman. Very often it was used for a servant in some noble homes. Just as "parobek" was used for a young, unmarried man, also a servant. Dziewka and parobek were always peasants. The words would never be used to describe a daughter of a son of aristocratic family.

"Dziwka" is a word still used for a woman sleeping around, a lighter version of a wh**e, I guess...

Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]

I spent well over a half of my life in the US. I love the distance between people when standing in line to buy, let's say a movie ticket or a popcorn. The slightest, untended touch of bodies causes immediate acknowledgment - "I'm sorry".

To avoid touching a person when passing in a tight place there is always "Excuse me" - just in case. "Thank you" and "You're welcome" are as common as bread and water.

Too much politeness is never wrong.
I traveled on the train in Poland on my last visit. I was almost knocked down by this woman passing by quickly and there was not a word of apology... like I didn't exist.

I still could not see the welcoming smile of a person behind a counter. Often, it was almost like 'take it or leave it".

I'm sure there are stores who may operate more friendly, but there seem not enough of them yet.

Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]

Yes, not all as bad as my family whom I love anyway. :)

Most polish people are really nice, very helpful and very gracious.

Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]


I agree, besides they would call when they say will call, they will write when they say will write, they will take care of an issue when they say they will etc.

And, they are the members of my family!!! My two polish friends are even worse, but I'm used to it...my expectations are low and I know they need to be reminded and they will do it at their sweet convenience.

Therefore, I really prefer to work with american people and I really like my american friends.

Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]


How are you? How are you doing?, the above questions and other variety of them are a big part of the English language and culture. They are great ice breakers and , not asking is considered rude, like there is something missing...Yes, it is somewhat meaningless between strangers, but I'm yet to meet someone who resented it. :)

It's just a part of the culture and works great.

It is definitely different than in Poland. I grew up without asking this type of questions, so I can understand Iwona's frustration." How are you" question was reserved for friends or family members, I did not see for months or years. When, you asked, you really wanted to know and they were happy to tell you all that happened since the last time. Very warm.

It would be nice to know how it works in all other languages and cultures. Anybody?

Life / Polish Nursery Rhymes [253]


Uciekaj, myszko, do dziury,
niech cię nie złapie kot bury!
Bo jak cię złapie kot bury,
to cię obedrze ze skóry!

Run little mouse to a hole
so the grey cat will not catch you!
Because if the grey cat catches you
he will pull your skin off!

:) not really nice, but maybe this was the song?
Children also play a game singing this song...

Life / Customs - First Holy Communion in Poland [42]

Invited guests also buy gold jewelry i.e. small earrings or a neckless with a cross. A wrist watch (no, not a gold one) is also a popular item.

Very often, it is the first time a girl gets a real jewelry.

Genealogy / Are all Poles blue eyed and blonde? [450]


Krysia, I like your menagerie! :)

And, I don't even have a cat!
I used love playing with farm animals back in Poland when I grew up. They all had names and responded to them. It was amazing. I would walk outside and called "Pelasiaaaaa" and could see my guinea fowl running to me...I stick out my arm and she flew up and perched. She loved cottage cheese this funny bird. Sometime I cheated her and held a piece of paper in my hand..she followed me like a puppy. She looked "pissed" when I dropped it and it was only a paper! My favorite chicken Ciacia was also my feathered dog, following me around. She never ended as a chicken soup, she was killed by a red fox... I was in tears for days.

There was also my favorite baby lamb Puszek...Ok, that's enough. I could go on and on with my farm animal stories... :)

It did not matter what color of their eyes or their feathers were...They belonged to the "fowl" species. So, the same goes for our human species - ethnicity, race, eye and hair color...doesn't matter - still the same kind of "animal" :)

Language / Polish sayings [237]

You're funny, :) you don't really want the words on the wall!

But, in case you do "pocaluj mnie w dupe"

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

Gabby, you don't want to know the translation. Whoever wrote this was extremelymean and abusive. (He dared to write this, because he knew you'll not understand it).

Just forget it.

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

Country wedding songs are usually dirty, but fun to listen to. I know which one you mean "pytala sie pani".
Some good wedding singers make up words to apply to the bride or groom. Not to mention the in-laws!

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

You can also say "F**** off" to someone who bothers you and you don't like it... :)

You 'F**** up" if you mess up - no matter what it is!

It's good to know this kind of words, but they do not suit every company or circumstances since they are offensive. Be careful using them.

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

Sounds like you were a very cute, hyper child who could not sit still :)

Usiadz paskuda! psiakrew!

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]


it is "usiadz" which means - "sit down"


not sure. Could it be pas-coo-da?

Then it could be "paskuda", which means ugly, very ugly..
However, it is a teasing, joking word said to a beatuful woman or a young girl, and she knows that she is not.

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

The two words are not pronounced the same in polish.
The bad word (chuje) sounds like "whoyeh" and the good one (to feel) - "chooyeh"

Hope it helps :)

Language / Polish sayings [237]

Na Boze Narodzenie przybywa dnia na kurze stapienie, a na Nowy Rok na barani skok - At X-mas we gain light at the size of chicken's step, at New Year the size of ram's jump.

Boze Narodzenie po wodzie, Wielkanoc po lodzie - Rainy X-mas, frosty Easter.
(can be reversed, it's a way of forecasting the spring)


Yes, I heard them all :)

Modli sie pod figura a diabla ma za skora - he(she) prays but has a devil under the skin.

Pan Bogu swieczke, a diablu ogarek - A candle for God, a stump for the devil (said about two faced people)

Jakby suka nie dala to by pies nie wzial - if the ***** did not put out the dog would not hump her.

Language / Polish sayings [237]

Wiedza sasiedzi jak kto siedzi - Your neighbors know you (really)

Nie widziala dupa slonca i zgorzala od goraca - like, arse who never saw the sun and got burned (usually said to people amused - seeing something for the first time)

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

vet, you just said "My mother does not feel well". Nothing wrong with this statement. It does not sound like you used any swear words in error. Phew.

Genealogy / Polish Gypsy Roots & Roma ancestors in their families [205]

Thanks shewolf. I found some good info here :

rootsforreal.com/service_en.php#autosomal

Genealogy / Polish Gypsy Roots & Roma ancestors in their families [205]


Where and how it is done?

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

Wow. Times changed. A LOT. :) :)

Food / Pierogi recipe and filling from my grandmother [179]

...and both kinds are excellent in cleaning your pipes :) No need for extra fiber.:)

Food / Pierogi recipe and filling from my grandmother [179]

I grew up in Poland, but I never made pierogi or goloabki myself. They require a lot of work. Besides, I lost my Mom early and had nobody to teach me how to do that.

There are tons of Polish Deli's in Chicago who make them just great! Works for me.

Language / Interesting Polish tongue twister. [69]

I'm impressed. I can't beat it.

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

OK Jim that would be: "idz do piekla" :)

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

Did anyone hear the expression "pinda grochowa"? It usually said about a silly woman. However, saying "ty pizdo" to w woman is very insulting.

Language / Polish Swear Words [1242]

"My family likes to use dupa yosh (josz in Polish maybe) and goovno (guwno?)."

It is simply "dupa Jas". Dupa Jas is a dummy.