Some Icelandic idioms

Abstract

In this article we discuss a few select Icelandic idioms. The introduction is a survey on the main articles and monographs on this topic. Idioms have gone by many names which are explained in the second chapter. Furthermore, idioms and proverbs have been confused. The third chapter is the main chapter of the article and is divided into three subchapters. In the subchapter 3.1 we discuss idioms that relate to the body and bodyparts (forehead, ear, foot, heart, head, knee, palm, buttocks, beard, tear). In subchapter 3.2 we select a few idioms that relate to animal husbandry, housekeeping and clothing (fabric, dish, glove, horn, cake, roe, shell, veneer, cultured dairy, tail) and in 3.3 we discuss various known idioms from various directions. Choosing from the vast plethora of Icelandic idioms was challenging as new idioms are constantly developing and have yet to be documented and discussed. Idioms breathe life into a language and offer insights into bygone times.