Some expressions people use without thinking about their origin. They enter our vocabulary in the form of sayings, sayings heard somewhere. So the head of state warned about making decisions “on the fly”. But what does it mean "with kondachka"?
Philologists have several versions of this. The etymology of the word "kondachok" in dictionaries is interpreted differently. Let's choose three respected publications: Dahl's Dictionary, Ushakov's Dictionary and Max Farmer's Dictionary.
What the dictionaries say
Ushakov's dictionary (1935-1940) does not give the exact spelling of the expression "kondachok". This is not surprising, since the word occurs only in tandem with a preposition. It is allowed to replace the unstressed vowel “o” with “a” and continuous spelling with the preposition “s”. The author claims that this expression is colloquial and means "not serious, without understanding." The author believes that the etymology of the word is unclear. But indicates that there is a word "skandachok" that Dahl mentions.
In Dahl's (1863-1866) dictionary, skandachok is a diminutive form of skandak, which means the name of a dance technique,when the men start the dance by hitting the ground with their heels and pointing their toes up. He also reports on a study of the dialect of the Terek Cossacks, in which skandachok is a jump into the water over the head.
The Max Farmer's Dictionary defines this expression as the adverb "skondachka". He believes that this was the name of the dance in ancient Greek comedy (κόρδαξ).
Jump into the water
Not everyone can boast of the ability to jump into the water, doing it beautifully. For example, performing somersaults over the head. It was this kind of jump that the Cossacks called "skandachok" - a cross between a jump and a Cossack.
A real skandachok is performed from a running start. Agree, only desperate daredevils are capable of this!
How the word was used in literature
In the nineteenth century, there are two uses of the expression: in the meaning of "quickly, recklessly" and "rough treatment".
- In the first version, it is found in the story "Walker". P. D. Boborykin, a theatrical figure and writer, an excellent storyteller, puts it into the mouth of his hero when he describes an intelligent and talented person, whom he does not trust, however: “Look with a kandachka, is there any art?”
- S altykov-Shchedrin also builds the speech of Iudushka Golovlev, using vernacular for coloring: “Everyone is against it, with a kandachka! And she rears up…”
- B. Markevich in "The Abyss" describes the gait of his hero, who steps from the kondachka, as trembling.
- K. G. Paustovsky very accurately notices the meaning of the expression in the story “The Time of Great Expectations”: “not from the end, onin all seriousness.”
I. S. Turgenev in his story uses this expression in the second sense, describing impolite treatment: “It’s either rude, or it’s a perfect deal.”
How the word is used now
The meaning "with a tip", mentioned by Turgenev, is now forgotten and is not used. But the first meaning has survived to this day. Synonyms of the expression "with kondachka":
hurriedly, thoughtlessly, famously, for no reason, without preparation, recklessly, at random, out of the blue, at random
This vernacular has a disapproving tone.
Dance with kondachka
B. Markevich, speaking of the bouncing gait of his hero, did not choose this expression in vain. Since the scandachok is a special setting of the foot, on the heel, strongly lifting up the toe, then it looks rather ridiculous when walking slowly. Now the term "scandak" has long been forgotten, but the dance remains, especially when they decide to dance it spontaneously.
With kondachka - it means famously, quickly, without hesitation. So in Russia, the guys entered the dance, breaking out one by one into a circle and striking with their knees, which each had their own. The guys at the wedding demonstrate almost the same male dance, unexpectedly suddenly performing as a group. Oh well, they do it!
Kondachok is a small kontakion
B. Markevich, anticipating the description of the gait "with a tip", explains that this is what the Orthodox say. Why not the Russians? Because the word "kondachok" is associated with the church service, the Liturgy.
Since ancient times, the service was conductedby records. A scroll of parchment was wound on a kontakion (from the Greek κόντάκιον) - a special stick. In Russia, this is how the chant following the troparion began to be called.
Kondakar texts are collected in kondakars. This is an ancient Russian notated singing book, a musical manuscript. Kondakari have been known since the twelfth century. The singers knew musical notation and recorded the chants on their own. Now such texts are monuments of ancient Russian musical writing.
Before, kontakia were so long that it was difficult to remember them. The chanters used scrolls to perform the service. Gradually, the kontakia decreased, and now they make up several lines. Therefore, they became known as "kondachok".
Starting with kondachka means skipping the troparion. Embarrassment and shame for the deacon.
Conclusion
So, with the light hand of the clerks, who called songs for cantors kondachka and joked about skipping the title text, this expression appeared. The version about dialects is also beautiful, but it is in the ecclesiastical origin of the expression "with kondachka" that there is something that makes up the mysterious Russian soul.
