Building relationships between representatives of different generations can be difficult: you need to find terms that will be understandable and not offensive to each of the participants in the discussion. One of the suitable options for addressing an older comrade to a young one is “salaga”. The word, which came from marine slang and does not have offensive connotations, is often used in interpersonal communication, but not everyone is given to fully understand the meaning inherent in it.
Where did it come from?
Folk rumor came up with two original etymologies at once and even formed a full-fledged legend. They say that Peter I, in his desire to Europeanize the country and put the maritime business on its feet, created specialized schools and training ships. Because of what the salaga is a native of a certain "Alaga". Here opinions differ, allowing for interpretation:
- adaptation of the Finnish name for the island of Alanko;
- name of training sailing vessel.
And so good teachers were on this island/sailboat before that their graduates proudly answered where they came from. Because of this, a capacious nickname for newcomers was fixed.
What is the real origin?
Philologists have not found confirmation of the tales: no islands, no ships. Experts have found out what "salaga" means just a transcription of Finnish salakka or Estonian salakas. This is the name of the B altic variety of a rather small herring, which is easy to catch even with minimal skill. Over time, the characteristic of inexperience, defenselessness was extended to people, endowing it with a figurative meaning:
- failure;
- beginner;
- weakling.
How is it used in modern communication?
However, the Russian language does not imply an attempt to offend or belittle achievements. At the everyday level, "salaga" is a simple condescending address, whose interpretation varies depending on the circumstances. There are two transcripts:
- young sailor, inexperienced;
- unskilled person, no experience.
The first option is considered slang, although it has gained more popularity than alternative nicknames for recruits. The second appeared in everyday speech, when ordinary citizens adopted a capacious word and adapted it to their needs.
Can I say that?
There's nothing wrong with adding a sonorous definition to the lexicon. In absolutely any business, a beginner is a rookie, and such a romantic concept is head and shoulders above the more rude "noob, brat." It sounds easy, with notes of irony, so it does not hurt the interlocutor's feelings, even when indicating the lack of proper knowledge or skills. For officialnegotiations are not suitable, but personal communication makes it brighter, livelier and informal, helps to establish a friendly relationship between the mentor and the ward.
