Learn 8 hilarious and absurd Polish sayings that use mild Polish swear words and 25 ways to express your anger or irritation in Polish without swearing.
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At first, I was going to write an article about Polish swear words. But as a Polish learner, Polish curse words are likely one of the first things you learn. I bet you already know the most popular ones, especially if you find yourself surrounded by Polish people.
Plus, I don't like swearing in my language. And, as a Polish teacher for foreigners, I don't like teaching these words to my students.
So, instead of making a list of Polish swear words you likely already know, I decided to dig a little deeper and explore some of the lesser-known yet equally colorful expressions that make Polish swearing so unique. While you might be familiar with the classics, there’s a whole world of hilariously absurd Polish sayings that will add some flair to your conversations.
Here are 8 absurd sayings that use some mild Polish swear words. They're not only fun to say but also reflect the humor and culture behind the language. Whether you’re looking to understand what your friends are really saying when they get animated or want to spice up your own vocabulary, these phrases will surely come in handy.
Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility—use them wisely and with a sense of humor!
8 Absurd Sayings That Use Mild Polish Swear Words
Polish has some downright absurd expressions that are actually pretty hilarious when you translate them into English. If you think English has its share of colorful language, wait until you some of the weirdest Polish sayings–most of which feature the word "gówno" (which means 💩).
These expressions may be absurd, but they’ll definitely tickle your funny bone with their hilarious absurdity.
1. Mam to w dupie
Translation: I have it in my ass.
Meaning: I don’t care.
When to use: Use this phrase when you want to express indifference or a lack of concern about a situation, event, or opinion. It’s often used in a casual or humorous context, typically among friends or in informal settings. For example, if someone is stressing over a minor issue or asking for your opinion on something trivial, you might respond with "Mam to w dupie" to convey that it doesn’t matter to you.
2. Dupy nie urywa
Translation: It doesn’t tear your ass off.
Meaning: It's not that impressive.
When to use: Use this phrase when you want to downplay something that someone else finds exciting or impressive. It’s a humorous way to express your unimpressed attitude.
3. Jak nie urok, to sraczka
Translation: If it’s not a charm, it’s diarrhea.
Meaning: If it’s not good luck, it’s bad luck.
When to use: This hilarious and quite absurd saying can be used when discussing a series of unfortunate events or when things just seem to go wrong, as if you're having bad luck.
4. Jakby wszystko było jedno, to by gówno było miód
Translation: If everything were the same, shit would be honey.
Meaning: It's not the same.
When to use: In Polish, "wszystko jedno" means "it's all the same, it doesn't matter." So, when someone hits with "wszystko jedno," you can use this hilarious phrase in response to say that it's not, in fact, all the same, and it does, in fact, matter.
5. Łatwo jak pierdnąć w mąkę
Translation: Easy as farting in flour.
Meaning: Very easy to do. As easy as ABC.
When to use: This phrase always makes me laugh a lot. Just imagine the scene–it's absurdly hilarious! You can use this phrase to describe something that’s super simple and straightforward to do.
6. Wyżej sra, niż dupę ma
Translation: They shit higher than their ass.
Meaning: They're overly proud or arrogant.
When to use: You can use this quite condescending phrase when you want to comment on someone’s arrogance or inflated sense of self-importance.
7. Nie ruszaj gówna, póki nie śmierdzi
Translation: Don’t touch the shit until it stinks.
Meaning: Don’t intervene until there’s a problem.
When to use: This saying shares some classic Polish wisdom! You can use it when advising someone to avoid meddling until there’s a clear issue or trouble.
8. Rozbijać gówno na atomy
Translation: Breaking shit down to atoms.
Meaning: Overanalyzing or making something overly complicated.
When to use: Use this phrase when someone is excessively dissecting a simple issue or overcomplicating something straightforward. For example, if a friend is overthinking and overcomplicating something, you can say, “Przestań rozbijać gówno na atomy!” (ENG: Stop breaking shit down to atoms!)
How to Talk Tough Without Using Polish Swear Words
Now that we've got the hilarious phrases that use some mild Polish curse words out of the way, I'd like to share with you some expressions you can use when you want to swear... without swearing.
Whether you're looking to tell someone off or just express your annoyance without getting too explicit, these phrases will do the trick while still keeping things (relatively) clean.
Phases to Tell Someone to Shut Up
Sometimes, you just need someone to stop talking, but you don't want to dive straight into curses. These phrases will get your point across without you having to drop a bomb.
Zamknij się! (Shut up)
Translation: Shut up!
Przestań pieprzyć głupoty!
Translation: Stop talking nonsense!
Cicho bądź!
Translation: Be quiet!
Zamknij dziób!
Translation: Shut your beak!
Nie gadaj bzdur!
Translation: Don't talk rubbish!
Zamknij japę!
Translation: Shut your trap!
Phrases to Tell Someone to Get Lost
Sometimes, you just need someone to back off or leave, but without using harsh swear words. These phrases will do the trick without escalating things too much.
Spadaj!
Translation: Get lost!
Zjeżdżaj!
Translation: Scram!
Idź w cholerę!
Translation: Go to hell!
Znikaj!
Translation: Disappear!
Idź do diabła!
Translation: Go to the devil!
Wynoś się!
Translation: Get out of here!
Zabieraj się stąd!
Translation: Take yourself out of here!
Phrases to Tell Someone They Suck
When someone is just not cutting it, you can express your feelings without resorting to offensive language. These phrases let you vent with style.
Ale z ciebie sierota!
Translation: What a loser you are!
Nie dajesz rady!
Translation: You can't handle it!
Jesteś beznadziejny!
Translation: You’re hopeless!
Żaden z ciebie kozak!
Translation: You’re no tough guy!
Taki z ciebie mistrz jak z kozy harfa!
Translation: You're as much a master as a goat is a harpist!
Meaning: A humorous and witty way to say someone’s attempts are laughable.
Jesteś do dopy!
Translation: You're to the ass
Meaning: You suck
Phrases to Tell Someone to Leave You Alone
When you're in need of space and want someone to give you a break, these phrases will convey your message clearly.
Daj mi spokój!
Translation: Leave me alone!
Zostaw mnie w spokoju!
Translation: Leave me in peace!
Odejdź ode mnie!
Translation: Step away from me!
Nie zawracaj mi głowy!
Translation: Don’t bother me!
Mam cię dość!
Translation: I’ve had enough of you!
Don't Use Polish Swear Words... Unless You Really Have to!
I love languages, and I’m a strong advocate for emotional responsibility. I believe there’s always a better way to express one’s anger or frustration than resorting to harsh swear words. But let’s be honest—sometimes they just slip out, and in those moments, they can even be emotionally liberating!
In Polish, we have a ton of curse words that we use on a daily basis. Polish people tend to swear a lot, especially when they’re frustrated, driving in traffic, or just for emphasis in a casual conversation. It’s almost an art form, but the key is knowing when to use them.
If you'd like to learn more about the Polish language and culture, be sure to check out the other articles on this blog–like this one with 85 common phrases in Polish you must know. And follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where I post (almost) daily videos teaching Polish in under 1 minute.
