Jul 13
Zastaw siÄ™, a postaw siÄ™
register: colloquial tone: derogatory
direct translation: Pawn yourself off to show off
Meaning: Used to criticise the practice of maintaining a facade of wealth for other people's approval, even if it leads one into debts.
Context: Wealth was often seen as a sign of resourcefulness and wisdom and was directly related to the level of respect in the community. Due to this, the shame connected to being poor was (and sometimes still is) entrenched deep in people's consciousness.
Example:
Zawsze wystawiało się u nas przesadnie huczne wesela, nawet jeśli potem trzeba było latami to spłacać. Zastaw się, a postaw się.
