Czarny Lud
/ˈt͡ʂar.nɘ ˈlut/word by word
The English phrase 'boogeyman' is translated into Polish as Czarny Lud.
Czarny Lud refers to an imaginary monster that adults use to frighten children into behaving.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Black Man'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈtʂar.nɘ ˈlut/. The first of the three syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- The word lud is a linguistic relative of the English word 'lewd', as both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'people'.
- While Czarny Lud is a common term, Polish folklore also features a monster called Baba Yaga, a bony witch who lives in a house with chicken legs.
- The word lud in Czarny Lud is a collective noun in Polish, often meaning 'people' or 'folk' rather than just a single 'man'.
Examples in context
- Nie martw się, to tylko straszydło, które nie może ci nic zrobić.Don't worry, it's just a boogeyman that can't harm you.
Example conversation
A parent is trying to get a child to go to sleep.
- TomaszTomasz, idź już spać do łóżka.Tomasz, go to bed now.
- MałgorzataAle boję się, że przyjdzie Czarny Lud.But I'm afraid the boogeyman will come.
- TomaszCzarny Lud nie odwiedza grzecznych dzieci.The boogeyman doesn't visit well-behaved children.
- MałgorzataTo wtedy zamknij proszę drzwi, Małgorzato.Then please close the door, Małgorzata.
