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Carlo Codega

Expression used in northern Italy: An archetypal proper name unrelated to a person actually existed. It is used when willing to emphasize the obsoleteness and old age of any kind of object, mostly in rhetorical questions, where it is inquired whether a specific object, due to its old age, is the one who was formerly used or owned by Carlo Codega.

The origin of this expression is unknown, some claim that it might have developed in Milan after the 17th century: Codega was the nickname for the servants who, helped by a lantern, guided rich and nobles at night through the dark streets of Milan, at a time when the city yet wasn't electrically lit up. With the coming of electricity it became useless to require the help of a codega. Here would lie the connection between the proper name and an obsolete action or object.

Carlo: Yo Mario, have you already seen my new phone?
Mario: WTF dude, it doesn't even have a touch screen. Is this Carlo Codega's phone?

-----other context-----

* at the historical weapons exhibition*
dad: look Piero! This was Carlo Codega's rifle!
son: Carlo Codega? Who is this guy?
dad: Nobody, it's just... oh nevermind. Look! There is also a musket over there!
son: cool!

by Sigurth Fafnirsbunny March 8, 2022


The nose is near to the eyes

Old Icelandic proverb, uttered two times in Njal's saga and meaning that duties often come together with family ties.

Thorgerd spoke to Ketil:"Oskuld is dead, as we know. Now keep in mind what you promised when you took him as yours foster-son".

"It may well be", he said, "that I made many promises then, because I never expected days like these would come. In fact, I'm in a difficult position, since I'm married to Njal's daughter - the nose is near to the eyes".
~Njal's saga, translated by Robert Cook

by Sigurth Fafnirsbunny March 8, 2022


holmgang

(Old Norse hólmganga, literally: "island going"). Holmgang was one of several forms of duels during viking age. The peculiar name of this practice originates from the fact that small delineated spaces (such as little islands) were often chosen as site for similar combats. Holmgangs were a legally recognized way to settle disputes.

Arvid: Olvar, Liv... "Milady": That's how they greet beautiful women in the West.
Liv: Wow, impressive.
Olvar: Welcome back from the raid... I heard you pillaged well.
Arvid: Yeah, it was... yeah, it was really good.
Olvar: Was there something in particular I can help you with?
Arvid: Yes! Yes! There is one... tiny... question. You still have that farm, don't you?
Olvar: I do! Biggest one in Nordheim!
Arvid: And... it's still going very well?
Olvar: Oh, it's going good!
Arvid: Yes, so that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Because you know I dig you. I always have and I always will. I really admire you for what you have accomplished.
Olvar: Thank you, Arvid. That's great... skål! Skål to Arvid!
Everyone: Skål!
Arvid: So... I thought I'd challenge you to a holmgang.
Olvar: What?! Holmgang?!
Arvid: Yes, and then the winner can take over the loser's property and wife and stuff... because that's how the rules are, isn't it, Olav? Chieftain Olav?
Chieftain Olav: That's right, what you say there is right.
Olvar: But you don't own anything, Arvid!
Arvid: But... that's how the rules are. And it would be stupid of me not to take advantage of it.
Olvar: But I built up everything! With my own hands, from nothing!
Arvid: Yeah! And I really respect you for that. But still... I, Arvid, hereby challenge Olvar to a Holmgang!
Everyone: * cheers and rejoices *
~Norsemen

by Sigurth Fafnirsbunny March 9, 2022


small fella

A way to refer to one's particularly wee penis.

Two boys talking:
A: "Next week is already time for our holiday! Have you packed your stuff?"

B: "Yep, I'm almost done here"

A: "Be careful not go forget your small fella!"

B: "Wikipedia says it's standard size!

by Sigurth Fafnirsbunny May 30, 2022


Swedish Dream

The Swedish Dream is like the American Dream, but much, very much better.
It's about moving to Sweden (biggest cities are excluded from the Swedish Dream) and living a simple life near nature, learn about farming, wild vegetables and the way of the Swedes, lagom. In Sweden you can enjoy one of the best laws ever created by humankind, allemansrätten, which basically involves that you have the right to harvest vegetables, fruits, camp outside, walk, cycle, ride, ski, and camp on any land—with the exception of private gardens, the immediate vicinity of a dwelling house and land under cultivation. Restrictions apply for nature reserves and other protected areas. It also gives the right to pick wild flowers, mushrooms and berries (provided they are not legally protected), but not to hunt in any way. (~wikipedia)
You can read more about it online.

The Swedish Dream is the perfect escape way from a stressful and meaningless life (even for Swedish people themselves). Just get out there and be yourself!

Þorbjörn: Hej! Have you heard of Timothy? He left for good and he lives on a little farm in Sweden now, he calls it "The Swedish Dream"

Sturgurðr: fan vad nice

by Sigurth Fafnirsbunny April 25, 2023


Die eier-legende Wollmilchsau

German, literally "the wool milk sow which can lay eggs". Figuratively used to descrive someone or something that possess all good qualities which you might ever wish to find in a person or object. Mostly used ironically to express the idea that nobody is perfect. No object either.

Paula:"Man kann ja nicht 'nen Mann finden, der gut aussieht, der klug ist, der 'nen guten Jobb hat und der gut Sex machen kann!"
Orchidea:"Ja nö? Das wär' mal die eier-legende Wollmilchsau!"

Paula:"It's impossible to find a beautiful man, who's also smart, has a good job and can make awesome sex!"
Orchidea:"IKR! That would be the wool milk sow which can lay eggs!"

by Sigurth Fafnirsbunny September 14, 2022


Son of Ragnar

Used to describe someone, regardless to their gender, who is, indeed, a true son of Ragnar.
Such persons are greatly smart, strong and capable in all ways, but mostly they're cunning and sly, thus resulting in their victory over all others. They might be regarded as somehow arrogant, yet they don't act out of greed or viciousness, nor they want to make fun of others. Their deeds are to please the mighty gods, in order be accepted into Valhalla or Folkvangr.

Sometimes it is just used as an interjection.

George: Dudes, y'all seen the last episode of Superstore yesterday?
Carol: OMG yes, Garrett was such a son of Ragnar.

-----other context-----

Jim: is taking a shower
Shampoo bottle: falls
Jim: SON OF RAGNAR!

by Sigurth Fafnirsbunny March 7, 2022