Ta'lim innovatsiyasi va integratsiyasi
https://scientific-jl.com
45-son_3-to’plam_May -2025
26
ISSN:3030-3621
FOOD IDIOMS IN ENGLISH AND RUSSIAN: A LINGUACULTURAL
APPROACH
Ahmedova M.
Scientific supervisor, Andijan state
institute of foreign languages
G'ulomjonova Zebiniso
Student, Department of Theory and
Practice of the Russian Language,
Andijan state institute of foreign languages
Abstract:
This article explores the linguacultural significance of food idioms in
English and Russian. Idioms, as a reflection of national culture and mentality, reveal
much about the values, humor, and everyday life of a society. By comparing common
food-related idioms in both languages, the paper uncovers similarities and differences
in the metaphorical use of food and explains how these expressions reflect the linguistic
worldview of each culture. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of
intercultural communication and to improve language teaching practices by
incorporating cultural elements through idioms.
Keywords:
Food idioms, linguaculture, English, Russian, metaphor,
intercultural communication
Introduction:
Language is not only a means of communication, but also a
reflection of a people’s culture, mentality, and lifestyle. Idioms, especially food-related
ones, offer a unique insight into everyday values and historical experiences. In both
English and Russian, food idioms serve as powerful linguistic tools to express
emotions, judgments, and evaluations. This study aims to analyze food idioms in
English and Russian, identifying their common features and cultural specifics, which
will be useful for both linguacultural studies and language teaching.
Literature Review:
Many scholars, including Lakoff and Johnson (1980), have
emphasized the importance of metaphor in understanding idiomatic expressions. In
Russian linguistics, researchers such as Telia (1996) have studied phraseology as a
culturally marked phenomenon. Food idioms are widely studied in English-language
phraseology, yet comparative studies between English and Russian are relatively
limited. This paper builds on previous research while focusing on the linguacultural
implications of these idioms.
Methodology:
The research uses a comparative and descriptive method. Around
20 commonly used food idioms from both English and Russian were collected from
dictionaries, corpora, and native speakers. Each idiom was analyzed for its literal
Ta'lim innovatsiyasi va integratsiyasi
https://scientific-jl.com
45-son_3-to’plam_May -2025
27
ISSN:3030-3621
meaning,
metaphorical
interpretation,
and
cultural
background.
Main Part – Analysis and Results:
1. Similar idioms with similar meanings:
“The apple of one’s eye” (Eng) — “зеница ока” (Rus)
Both idioms denote someone very precious and beloved, although only the
English version uses a food image.
“To butter someone up” (Eng) — “подмаслить кого-то” (Rus)
Both idioms reflect the same metaphor: using fat (butter) to make something
smoother — in this case, relationships.
2. Idioms with different metaphors but similar meanings:
“Piece of cake” (Eng) — “проще пареной репы” (Rus)
Both mean something very easy, but cultural references differ: sweet cake in
English vs. boiled turnip in Russian.
“Spill the beans” (Eng) — “выдать все как на духу” (Rus)
Here, the idiom in English uses food (beans) metaphorically, while Russian uses
a religious-cultural metaphor.
3. Culture-specific idioms:
“Cool as a cucumber” (Eng)
Highlights the Western ideal of emotional restraint. No exact Russian equivalent
exists.
“Без
хлеба
и
щей
—
не
обед”
(Rus)
This idiom reflects the traditional importance of bread and cabbage soup in Russian
cuisine, with no equivalent in English
Conclusion:
Food idioms reveal deep cultural meanings and differences
between English and Russian speakers. While some idioms show universal human
experiences, others are deeply rooted in national customs and everyday life. For
language learners and teachers, incorporating such idioms can improve not only
vocabulary, but also cultural awareness and sensitivity. Understanding the cultural
layer behind idioms enhances communication and makes language study more
engaging and authentic.
References:
1.
Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors We Live By. University of Chicago
Press.
2.
Telia, V.N. (1996). Phraseological Meaning and National-Cultural Specificity.
Moscow: Nauka.
3.
Cambridge Idioms Dictionary. Большой фразеологический словарь русского
языка.
