Idiom: "mai Bpen Saparot!"

[toptuan]

This idiom, which literally translated is "It's not a pineapple", seems to be a colorful idiom. My dictionary says to use this when something doesn't work or function correctly.

So, I use it for motorbikes that don't start, lazy students who don't do their homework, missed appointments, etc. However, I get the feeling from my Thai hearers that I'm not using this correctly 100% of the time.

Any insights?

[katana]

..

Edited December 31, 2005 by katana

[Boon Mee]

'Mai pen sapporot' is an expression that's been around for a long time & used when food does not taste good.

[the scouser]

'Mai pen sapporot' is an expression that's been around for a long time & used when food does not taste good.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly what Mrs Scouse just told me.

Scouse.

[Boon Mee]

'Mai pen sapporot' is an expression that's been around for a long time & used when food does not taste good.

Exactly what Mrs Scouse just told me.

Scouse.

First time this farang used it at dinner he got some strange looks - like... 'how do you know this expression'

[the scouser]

First time this farang used it at dinner he got some strange looks - like... 'how do you know this expression'

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What do you expect - you'd just told your hosts that their food was awful!

Scouse.

[Boon Mee]

First time this farang used it at dinner he got some strange looks - like... 'how do you know this expression'

What do you expect - you'd just told your hosts that their food was awful!

Scouse.

Not really...we were at a public food stall in Pratunam...

[CarlBkk]

It also translates as "not the real McCoy" or "lousy" but it's a very old fashioned phrase that you won't hear very often amongst younger Thais.