picau ar y maen
The Welsh phrase picau ar y maen is an idiom used to describe someone who is talking too much or complaining unnecessarily.
This idiom is used to characterize a person who engages in excessive talking or who complains about things without any real necessity.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'picks on the stone'.
Did you know?
- The concept of 'useless talking' in Welsh often uses metaphors of physical futility. Picau ar y maen is a prime example of using a tangible, impossible task to describe a social annoyance.
- One of the ancient components of the particle y is related to the Latin word 'ibi', which means 'here'.
- The article y in this idiom is a linguistic hybrid, formed by the merger of two distinct Old Welsh particles, ydd and yd.
Examples in context
- Hoffwn brynu picau ar y maen, os gwelwch yn dda?I would like to buy some Welsh cakes, please?
- Beth am fynd i gael picau ar y maen?How about going to get some Welsh cakes?
- Mae hi'n cael picau ar y maen heddiw.She is complaining unnecessarily today.
Example conversation
Gareth and Rhiannon are waiting for a late bus.
- GarethMae'r bws yn rhy hwyr heno!The bus is too late tonight!
- RhiannonGareth, stop picau ar y maen.Gareth, stop complaining unnecessarily.
- GarethOnd mae'n oer iawn yma.But it is very cold here.
- RhiannonDim mwy o ddiwylliant, Rhiannon sy'n dweud!No more fussing, Rhiannon says!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ar, maen, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
