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A while ago, when traveling was still very normal ;-), I experienced the following:
A cleaning lady was busy and some of the toilets at the airport were unavailable. So I was waiting for my turn and had nothing else to do but look at the people around me.
It touched me how some people just walked in, completely ignored the cleaning lady, even unashamedly stepped over her brush which she had used to block a door.
Probably those travellers were in a hurry and didn’t intend to be so unkind – I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt, but seen from a distance it was just rude.
Fortunately, there were others who nodded kindly. There was even one woman who told her that she never saw cleaner toilets in an airport before.
Perhaps that compliment was slightly exaggerated, but the smile that appeared on the cleaning lady’s wrinkled face was so genuine and beautiful. I resolved then to always give a compliment (or at least a thank you) to the people who want to make the effort to clean for us.
Tip for today
Compliment the cleaning man or woman.
Compliments around the world
Compliments are different in different cultures, so sometimes, good intentions can be misinterpreted. Here are some examples of compliments around the world.
Japan
It is a huge deal when a Japanese man pays a woman a compliment. It may sound funny to Westerners, but one flattering phrase can be: “You have a small face.” Actually, head size is not at issue here, but delicate, well-proportioned facial features. A beauty ideal!
Women in Japan can also be pleased when told their face is pale and their nose is big. The noble pallor is perhaps understandable, but a big nose? Well, it makes the rest of the face appear smaller! I am going to move to Japan 😉
Brazil
“You’re an old ape.”
This strange phrase is actually a sign of respect. In Brazil, if you’re an old ape, you’re wise and respected.
Cameroon
You’re a baobab.”
This refers to a very large and old type of tree. If someone compares you to this tree, it means that you’re respected and that you have great strength.
Portugal
“You’re fofinho!”
In Portuguese, “fofo” means soft. It can also be used to mean that something is cute. When “fofinho” is used, it’s an extra emphasis on the word, meaning that something is extra soft. In this case, that something is YOU!
Spain
“you’re fat”
Even those who know only basic Spanish are probably aware that “gordo/a” translates as “fat.” However, don’t take offense if someone tells you that you’re gordo/a while in Spain. This is used as a term of endearment and is considered a pet name!
India
“Gaja Gamini”
The translation of this phrase is “She walks like an elephant.” Being compared to an elephant definitely does not have the ring of a compliment. However, that is not the case in India. The idea is that someone has a slow, graceful walk and is being recognised for it. It is not, in any way, shape or form, a comment on someone’s physical size. It’s all about the walk.
India
“Dana Kata Pori”
People like to say to a woman that she is a “Dana Kata Pori” — “a fairy without wings.” It’s meant nicely, of course: more like an angel dropped down from heaven. In other words, the woman is beautiful.
Russia
“You’re as fit as a cucumber.”
This odd saying is actually very nice when broken down. If someone is as fit as a cucumber, then they look alive and fresh.
Iran
May a mouse eat you!”
The odd phrase is a reference to how adorable someone is. It is similar to the the way that people say a baby is cute enough to eat. To be edible and to be adorable is apparently the same thing.
France
“My little cabbage”
The exact phrasing in French is “mon petit chou.” “Chou” also translates as cream puff. On one hand, you’re being called a delicious pastry; on the other hand, you’re a smelly vegetable. It’s a hard compliment to wrap your head around.