Nomad Sayings

Background

The Tongue of the People of the Mountains and the Forests is the language of the Nomads. It is most often referred to by the Townsfolks as "Wild Tongue" as well as Old Tongue.   Their language has a poetic quality to it, as do the phrases and sayings which are commonly used. These phrases are inspired by their perspective of the world and life in The Forests of The Wilds.
 

Popular Sayings & Phrases

The sayings below are popular with Nomads. The first column contains the phrase, the second is an example of it in use and the third column is its meaning.
Moss-covered
"My mind is a little moss-covered"
Not been used in a long time

Good news walks proudly on all fours, but bad news flies.
"I don't think the letter arrived on all fours."
Bad news travels fast

Caught more than just the tail
"Looks like you caught more than the tail."
A good thing that seems bad at first

A pinecone in the Endless Forest
"Townsfolk who cause trouble are like pinecones in the Endless Forest"
Something common

May the gods not notice
"May the gods not notice you on your travels"
Good luck

May whatever weaves this world move in your favour
"May whatever weaves this world move in favour of your journey."
Good luck

Keep your hand on the hilt
"No need to run off without a plan. Keep your hand on the hilt."
Slow down

River's burst its banks
"She's been getting worse and now the river's burst its banks."
Out of control

Watch how your own blade swings
"Stop worrying and watch how your own blade swings"
Focus on what you should be doing.

Every incline has its peak
"You can do this. Every incline has its peak."
Don't give up

Don't give me the poetry and verse
"I understand you don't need to give me the poetry and verse."
Be brief

Keep your feet beneath you
"We have a plan. Keep your feet beneath you."
Calm down

My wick has been cut
"If you keep doing that, you're going to cut my wick."
My patience has run out

Don't mistake a river for an ocean
"You're getting better, but don't mistake a river for an ocean."
Don't get too cocky


Comments

Author's Notes

Day 7 of...

The March of 31 Tales
Generic article | Apr 4, 2025

A challenge to write an article every day


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Mar 8, 2025 07:21

Those sayings are lovely. I think it’s awesome when one can come up with such creative stuff.

Mar 8, 2025 20:32

My favorite is "My wick has been cut" - I can see parents using that one often.

Mar 11, 2025 20:43 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

I love this so much. My favourite is moss-covered, for sure. My mind is moss-covered. :D

Emy x
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales
Apr 5, 2025 07:49

Wonderful idioms.

Stay imaginative and discover Blue's Worlds, Elaqitan & Naharin.