Saturday, March 31, 2012

Color Idioms Part 3 - yellow

Yellow doesn't actually have many meanings in English. It basically means that you are a coward (臆病者 - おくびょうもの) or that you lack bravery or courage (あの人は勇気がない)...

The following expressions are all a bit old fashioned and the image I get in my mind is of a cowboy yelling them in a thick accent...

Are ya yellow?

meaning

Are you a coward?

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You yellow-bellied ass~! Go on and run!

meaning

You cowardly jerk~! Go on and run, I'll take care of it myself!

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Tom, he's got a yellow streak a mile long down his back...

meaning

Tom is a big coward he's not brave at all.

These days guys will usually say:

Are you (a) chicken?

Are you (a) pussy? (pretty vulgar)

Any questions?

Phil

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