ఆడవారికి ఆవకాయ, మగవారికి బోడి టెంకాయ
adavariki avakaya, magavariki bodi tenkaya
Avakaya (mango pickle) for women, a bald coconut for men.
This is a humorous and playful rhyming expression often used in casual settings to highlight the stereotypical preferences or traits of the genders, or to tease someone. It suggests that women are fond of spicy pickles (Avakaya), while men are like coconuts—plain or perhaps referring to balding patterns in a lighthearted way. It doesn't carry a serious philosophical meaning but is used for rhythmic banter.
Related Phrases
బోడి నెత్తిన టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్టు
bodi nettina tenkaya kottinattu
Like beating a shaven head with a cocoanut. As used to be done to a Sannyâsi ( religious mendicant ) by his disciples when he was about to die.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely harsh, blunt, or unkind to a vulnerable person. It signifies a lack of empathy or a direct, painful impact on someone who has no protection against the action.
ఎవరి పైగుడ్డ వారికి బరువే
evari paigudda variki baruve
Every man feels his own upper cloth heavy.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an individual is so exhausted, weak, or overwhelmed that even the smallest personal responsibility or a minor possession feels like a significant burden. It highlights extreme fatigue or a state of complete helplessness.
Every one has his care. Every one feels his own burden heavy. ( French.)*
జాతి టెంకాయవలె.
jati tenkayavale.
Like a high-quality coconut.
This expression refers to a person who may appear tough, hard, or indifferent on the outside but possesses a soft, kind, and pure heart within. It is used to describe someone with a strong exterior but a compassionate nature.
కోతికి టెంకాయ దొరికినట్లు
kotiki tenkaya dorikinatlu
Like a monkey finding a coconut
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gains possession of something valuable or complex but has no idea how to use, appreciate, or manage it. Just as a monkey cannot crack open a hard coconut to eat the fruit inside, an incompetent or unqualified person cannot benefit from a resource they have acquired.
బోడి నెత్తిన టెంకాయ కొట్టినట్లు
bodi nettina tenkaya kottinatlu
Like breaking a coconut on a bald head
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is put in a very painful or difficult position, or when a person is exploited or harmed because they are vulnerable or have no protection. It signifies an act that is both cruel and blunt, often catching the person off guard.
అయినవారికి ఆకుల్లో, కానివారికి కంచాల్లో పెట్టినట్లు.
ayinavariki akullo, kanivariki kanchallo pettinatlu.
Like serving one's own people on leaves and others in plates.
Traditionally, eating on a leaf was considered superior or more respectful than a plate. This expression describes showing favoritism or partiality, where someone treats their close relatives or favorites with special care while neglecting or being formal/distant with others.
ఎవరి పిచ్చి వారికి ఆనందం
evari pichchi variki anandam
Everyone's own madness is a source of joy to them.
This proverb is used to describe how people have their own unique quirks, hobbies, or obsessions that might seem strange or foolish to others but bring immense happiness to themselves. It suggests that one should not judge others' personal interests, as subjective satisfaction is what matters most to the individual.
విల్లమ్ములు కలవారికి చల్లకడవలవారు తోడా?
villammulu kalavariki challakadavalavaru toda?
Are those with buttermilk pots any match for those with bows and arrows?
This expression is used to highlight a significant disparity in power, status, or strength. It suggests that people of low means or weak standing cannot compete with or assist those who are powerful and well-equipped. It is often used to question the compatibility or parity between two unequal parties.
వూళ్ళో అందరూ బోడి అంటే, నీ అమ్మ బోడి, నీ అక్క బోడి అందట.
vullo andaru bodi ante, ni amma bodi, ni akka bodi andata.
When someone said the whole village is bald, she replied 'Your mother is bald, your sister is bald'.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks common sense or the ability to understand general context. Instead of understanding that a statement refers to a collective group (including themselves), they take it as a personal insult and react defensively by insulting the speaker back.
కుక్కసింహమగునె గోదావరికి బోవ?
kukkasimhamagune godavariki bova?
Will a dog become a lion just by going to the Godavari?
This expression means that a person's basic nature or character does not change simply by visiting holy places or changing their environment. It is used to suggest that external rituals or travels cannot transform someone who lacks internal merit or nobility.