- English translation
A mother with a runny nose can give birth to a handsome, well-groomed young man.
- Literal wording
Mother of runny snot brings forth the handsome, dandified young man.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying contrasts a mother portrayed, through crude imagery, as foolish or simple-minded with her handsome, carefully groomed son. Its force lies in the surprise that someone mocked for lacking refinement may have a son admired for his appearance.
It says that a parent judged foolish can nevertheless bear an appealing child; perceived simplicity does not determine a child's qualities. The contrast is insulting to the mother, however, and should not be treated as a fair measure of anyone's worth.
- When it is used
Used to remark, often mockingly, that a handsome and well-presented young man has a mother whom others regard as foolish. Because the image is crude and demeans the mother, it can wound when applied to real people and is best avoided in personal reference.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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