Funny Serbian Phrases That Will Make You Chuckle

If you have had a chance to meet Serbs, you know that we are an outgoing nation. We love cracking jokes and hanging out with friends and family. Our native language reflects precisely that. 

Here’s a funny story. Our student Silvio went to a bank one day to open a bank account. It took him two hours to finish everything (the paperwork in Serbia is awful!). He said that he would probably come back in 15 minutes. 

Teacher Milica smiled and said: “Silvio, da li si pao s Marsa? There’s no way you can finish any paperwork in less than 2 hours.” He stared at us with confusion. We explained to him that the phrase describes someone who is out of touch with reality. The literal translation is: “Have you fallen from Mars?”

How to Learn Funny Serbian Sayings

What’s the best way to learn Serbian phrases? You’ll pick up on them by spending time with Serbs. They’ll naturally come up in conversation. 

We don’t want you to feel like Pao si sa Marsa when you speak Serbian with locals. That’s why we have compiled a list of funny Serbian phrases that left our foreign friends puzzled or burst into laughter. Keep on reading.

Our Top 10 Funny Serbian Phrases 

Izvodi besne gliste 

 

Don’t do enraged earthworms. (literal translation)

When someone Izvodi besne gliste they are spoiled and behave erratically. It is usually used to describe a child’s behavior.

Example: Kako nećeš da ideš napolje, sva deca su već izašla? Ne izvodi besne gliste. (How come you don’t want to go outside when all the children are there already? Don’t do the enraged earthworms.)

Košta kao Svetog Petra kajgana

 

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It costs as much as St.Peter’s omelet. (literal translation)

We use the phrase Košta kao Svetog Petra kajgana to describe something overpriced. It’s a humorous way of saying that something is so costly that it’s almost legendary.

Example: Kupila sam nov telefon. Ne želim da ti kažem koliko sam platila. Košta kao Svetog Petra kajgana. (I bought a new phone. I don’t want to tell you how much I paid. It costs as much as St. Peter’s omelet).

Iza Mire 100 đavola vire

 

Behind Mira, 100 devils are peeking. (literal translation)

Another funny Serbian expression is Iza Mire 100 đavola vire. This describes someone who appears to be innocent or quiet. In reality, they have a lot of hidden mischief or bad intentions.

Example: On deluje kao miran i stidljiv mladić. Ali, znaš kako se kaže, iza Mire 100 đavola vire. (He seems to be a quiet and shy young man. Yet, you know what they say, behind Mira, 100 devils are peeking).

Neće grom u koprive

 

Lighting won’t strike the nettles. (literal translation)

The top 4 phrase is Neće grom u koprive. It implies that bad things don’t happen to those who deserve them the most. It’s a way of saying that those who are bad often escape punishment.

Example: Ona stalno pravi gluposti, ali nikad joj se ništa loše ne desi. Neće grom u koprive. (She always does stupid things, but nothing bad ever happens to her. Lighting won’t strike the nettles.)

Stoji mu kao piletu sise

 

It suits him like boobs suit a chick. (literal translation)

Among all the funny Serbian phrases, Stoji mu kao piletu sise is our personal favorite. All the students were shocked when they heard it for the first time in class. 

Teacher Ana bought a new coat and showed it to her best friend Mila. Mila didn’t like it at all and said Stoji ti kao piletu sise. They both burst into laughter. When you think of it, it consists of funny Serbian words, too. Right?

We use this Serbian phrase to describe clothing or something that looks awkward or out of place. Remember to use the appropriate personal pronouns- meni, tebi, njoj, njemu, nama, vama and njima. 

Example:  Te pantalone ti stoje kao piletu sise. (These jeans suit you like boobs suit a chick).

Soliti pamet

 

To salt someone’s wisdom (literal translation)

The next funny Serbian phrase is Soliti pamet. It’s a way of saying that you are lecturing someone or giving unwanted advice. It is often used in arguments between children and parents.

Example: Tata, nemoj da mi soliš pamet, nisam više dete. (Dad, don’t salt my wisdom; I’m no longer a child.)

Možeš ga na hleb namazati

 

You can spread him on bread. (literal translation)

The phrase Možeš ga na hleb namazati indicates that someone is very soft or easy to deal with. In English, it is “as good as gold.”

Example: Taj nastavnik je tako dobar, možeš ga na hleb namazati. (That teacher is so good that you can spread him on bread.)

Poklonu se ne gleda u zube

 

Don’t look a gift in the teeth. (literal translation)

This one deserves to be put among funny Serbian phrases. We use Poklonu se ne gleda u zube when you should not criticize or question a gift you receive. You can say this to your friends or relatives if they are critical of a gift.

Example: Dobio sam besplatne karte za koncert, ali ne volim tog pevača. Ali dobro, poklonu se ne gleda u zube. (I got free tickets to a concert, however, I don’t like that singer. But ok, don’t look a gift in the teeth.)

Pogaziti reč

 

To step on one’s word (literal translation)

In English, the equivalent of Pogaziti reč is To break a promise. You can use this phrase when someone doesn’t keep their promise.

Example: Rekla je da će doći, ali je pogazila reč.(She said she would come, but she stepped on her word.)

Mačiji kašalj

 

A cat’s cough (literal translation)

The last funny Serbian expression is Mačiji kašalj. We use it to describe something very easy to do. It is similar to the English saying A piece of cake.

Example: Ne brinem se. Vožnja kolima u Beogradu je mačiji kašalj. (I’m not worried. Driving a car in Belgrade is a cat’s cough.)

To Wrap up

These funny Serbian sayings are a colorful and expressive part of the Serbian language and culture. They can add great flavor to your conversations. 

What’s the tricky part? Using them in the proper context. To stay on the safe side, use these in daily communication with your Serbian friends and relatives.

Would you like to improve your language? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get tips and tricks on how to speak Serbian like a native. 

Written by Sanja Dulovic

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