- English translation
Neither warmth in his heart nor charm in his words.
- Literal wording
No affection, and no talk that tastes sweet.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying points out that a person lacks the two qualities that usually make someone bearable: inner warmth that draws others close, and speech that is pleasant to hear. When both are missing, nothing is left to make up for the burden of their company.
In practice it works as a rhetorical complaint and a pointed criticism of a person. The speaker is really asking what reason remains to put up with someone who offers neither affection nor agreeable talk.
- When it is used
Used to dismiss someone who brings nothing worth tolerating, neither kind nor good company, as when the speaker wonders why anyone puts up with them. The tone is blunt and exasperated. As pointed criticism, saying it about someone present would come across as a direct insult.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Neither warmth in his heart nor charm in his words.