Some rude words that are not customary to say in polite society have a long history. And at the same time they come from quite worthy expressions used by a Russian person for many generations. Today, “sopatka” is part of offensive or threatening statements that try to put the interlocutor in his place. Has it always been like this, where did the colorful definition come from? There is no secret, only fun facts!
Musical etymology
Native speaker will accurately point to the verb "sniff" as the original. Seems like it's something down to earth. However, the Proto-Slavic root was reborn into a wonderful old Russian concept:
- snot - trumpet, flute;
- sopeti - playing the indicated instruments;
- sopets is a musician who owns them.
Modern Slavic languages almost every one interpret jargon in relation to the ability to inhale and emit air:
- breath noisily;
- puff;
- snort.
This is also true for Russian speech.
Appropriate usage
The conclusions are obvious! First, they noticed the similarity of the sounds produced, added a meaning to the verb, which became dominant over time. And today the meaning of the word "sopatka" points directly to the respiratory organ. Naturally, the speaker means the most common nose of any living being.
Not necessarily applicable to humans, any animal, and in some cases a bird's beak, will do. Allegorically, they may mean a place on the head between the front pair of eyes. For example, if you wish, you can also give S. to a spider, although the spider does not have a nose in the usual sense.
Also, do not forget that the term is colloquial, vulgar. It is not considered an insult in itself, but most often becomes an element of rude expressions:
- don't poke S.;
- get by S.;
- hit S. etc.
In a friendly circle, this may be considered appropriate, but when communicating with unfamiliar personalities, it will easily lead to a conflict situation. In addition, when meeting, the use of jargon does not give the best idea of the interlocutor.
Domestic use
It's worth remembering anyway. In official negotiations, in business and love correspondence, the word will be superfluous. But when meeting with hooligans or while communicating with young people, you can easily remember: the nose is a “sopatka”, and you don’t want to get hit by it. Vernaculars are inappropriate, but in some situations they help to more easily establish mutual understanding, bring the conversation to a positivechannel and disperse in peace.
