మాసేమో పెద్ద మాసి, బుద్దేమో గాడిద బుద్ది

masemo pedda masi, buddemo gadida buddi

Translation

While the face looks like a big respectable man, the intellect is that of a donkey.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who looks dignified, elderly, or respectable on the outside but lacks common sense, basic etiquette, or behaves foolishly/stubbornly. It highlights the contrast between one's mature appearance and their immature or foolish behavior.

Related Phrases

A man's mind is a blunt mind, a woman's mind is a subtle/sharp mind.

This proverb contrasts the psychological natures of men and women. It suggests that men tend to be more straightforward, rough, or simple-minded (motu), whereas women possess a more complex, strategic, or far-reaching intelligence (apara buddhi). It is often used to comment on how women can see through situations or plan more effectively than men.

What is more cunning/contrary than a woman's mind?

This proverb is traditionally used to suggest that women possess a unique or unpredictable sharpness of mind, often implying they can think of unconventional or clever solutions that others might miss. It is sometimes used to describe a change of heart or a contrary way of thinking.

Women's wisdom lies at the back of their heads.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to suggest that women may lack foresight or make decisions based on immediate emotions rather than long-term logic. It reflects historical social biases and is typically used in a derogatory or condescending manner to imply that a woman's judgment is backward or arrives too late.

Ash is the medicine for a donkey's wound

This expression is used to describe a simple, crude, or inexpensive solution for an unworthy or trivial problem. It implies that a high-quality or expensive remedy is not needed for something of low value or for someone who doesn't appreciate it.

Even if speech is like cutting silk, the heart is like a hard stone.

This expression describes a person who speaks very softly, smoothly, and politely (like cutting through silk) but possesses a cold, hard, or cruel heart. It is used to warn about individuals whose outward behavior is deceptive and charming while their internal nature is unkind or unyielding.

A woman's wisdom is 'Apara' (afterthought or secondary) wisdom.

This traditional proverb suggests that women often think of consequences or solutions after an event has occurred (hindsight). In a modern context, it is also interpreted as women having an alternative or deeper perspective on things that men might overlook.

When going to play, one feels like watching; when going to watch, one feels like playing.

This expression describes a state of indecision or fickle-mindedness. It refers to a person who is never satisfied with their current choice and constantly wishes they were doing the opposite of what they are presently engaged in.

Man's intellect is crude, woman's intellect is subtle/deeper.

This proverb highlights a traditional observation about gendered thinking styles. It suggests that men tend to have a blunt or straightforward approach (motu), whereas women possess a more refined, intricate, or farsighted perspective (avara). It is used to contrast the simplicity of a man's logic with the complexity and depth of a woman's intuition.

To look at you are a great man, but you are a mean fellow at heart. Lit. You have the sense of an ass.

This expression is used to criticize someone who is physically grown up or looks like an adult but lacks maturity, common sense, or intelligence. It highlights the contrast between physical growth ('Masi Pedda') and foolish behavior ('Gadidha Buddhi').

The day may pass by, but the word spoken remains forever.

This expression emphasizes the permanence and power of one's words. While time and moments are fleeting, the promises made or the words spoken (whether kind or hurtful) leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the situation has ended. It is used to advise someone to be mindful of what they say.