The tops collection

Nine Polish words, explained.

What each one literally means, when Poles actually say it, and where it came from. All nine are printed on tops.

Thrown at a woman to wound, usually about who she sleeps with. It is meant to land hard.

Either someone with no spine who folds to anyone, or an attack on a woman's character.

[vah-ryaht-kah]

Half insult, half compliment, decided entirely by who is saying it.

[spyehr-dah-lai]

Leave, immediately, and loudly understood. There is no politeness left in it.

[koor-vah mahch]

The shelf you just built has collapsed. This is the sound that follows.

The word for the organ, and for anything or anyone you have written off entirely.

[goov-noh prahv-dah]

Flatly contradicting someone. Not a debate, just a statement that they are lying.

Not an insult, a verdict. It went badly and you are done pretending otherwise.

[zah-yeh-beesh-cheh]

Said alone when something has gone unexpectedly well, or bolted onto how well it went.