a palabras necias, oídos sordos
The English phrase 'sticks and stones' can be expressed in Spanish as a palabras necias, oídos sordos.
This proverb is used to express that one should ignore insults or nonsense.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'to foolish words, deaf ears'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is often used as a standalone maxim or as a response to someone being insulted.
Did you know?
- While the English version focuses on the resilience of the person being hit, the Spanish version focuses on the intelligence of the speaker. It frames the insult as a sign of the speaker's own lack of sense.
- The adjective necias comes from the word necio, which in modern Spanish often means 'stubborn' rather than just 'foolish'.
- In Spanish culture, this phrase is often used as a 'refran' or proverb to teach children emotional regulation and the power of ignoring bullies.
Examples in context
- Los palos y piedras lanzados durante el conflicto causaron heridas graves.The sticks and stones thrown during the conflict caused serious injuries.
- No dejes que te afecte, recuerda: a palabras necias, oídos sordos.Don't let it affect you, remember: sticks and stones.
- Él me insultó, pero apliqué la de a palabras necias, oídos sordos.He insulted me, but I just ignored him, sticks and stones.
Example conversation
Mateo is upset because a coworker made a rude comment.
- MateoEse comentario me dolió mucho, María.That comment hurt me a lot, María.
- MaríaNo le hagas caso, a palabras necias, oídos sordos.Don't pay him any mind, sticks and stones.
- MateoTienes razón, no debería importarme.You're right, I shouldn't care.
- MaríaExacto, no dejes que te arruine el día.Exactly, don't let him ruin your day.
