Today I had coffee with my friend and conversation partner, Juanmi, which is short for Juan Miguel. It is common here in Spain that people have more than one first name, usually both of which are saints. Sayings are a significant part of what we end up discussing because we both have a fairly advanced level and grammar is a smaller issue for us. Since our conversation tends to be pretty fluid, and we can both forget at times that the other is not a native speaker, colloquial sayings come up...and then must be explained when a look of confusion rolls across the other's face. Today, we discussed a certain saying that most everyone would know...and I feel I have to mention only because of the hilariousness that ensued because of it. This is rather awkward for me because I believe the main audience of this blog consists of mostly members of my church, certain wonderful professors of mine, and my dear family. Sorry Mor Far (grandfather in Norwegian)!!
E: "....that they have the balls to actually go through with it."
JM: "Wait. Have ball to do it? What do you want to say with that?"
E: "It means to have the courage, the strength. Que tiene los cojones hacer algo."
JM: "Oh, ok. Yeah, its a saying we have here too. It is obviously something I should use formally in my English exam. When I walk in I will say, 'I am Juanmi, and I will use my balls to pass this test."
Here is where said hilarity ensued.
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