Episode 159: Dogs' Life!

How You Say?

Psi żywot!

English Phonemes: “pshee [Ż]IH-voht”

Literal Translation: Dogs’ life.

Elegant Translation: Dog life.

English Equivalent: Not fit for a dog. Going to the dogs. For the Birds.

This phrase describes the idea that life is sub-optimal (unless you’re a dog). You have most of your basic needs met, but you’re not happy. Either you’re working too hard, you don’t get paid enough, your health isn’t 100%, or something. Something is preventing you from having a comfortable day-to-day.

Usage-wise, one usually hears this phrase as a response to something in conversation. For example, someone is telling you about how their health care plan has a million and a half hoops to go through, or your friend is describing never-ending overtime at a job they need, or their house keeps having things break and break…. Basically, all of 2020 was barely fit for a dog. You can use this phrase to empathize with a friend, or put a button on your own story of sub-optimal circumstances. Either way, you will impress your Polish speaking friends/family for knowing it!

Psi = dogs’ [adj., neutral subj. form]
Żywot = life, lifestyle [slang, noun, neutral s. subj. form]

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