Meaning:
Lit. “to release a peacock”. Still a bit slangy but generally understood expression for throwing up, especially as a consequence of consuming too much alcohol.
Category: Alcohol
Białe myszki
Meaning:
Lit. “little white mice”, most commonly used with the verb “widzieć” (“to see”). Which has been used for at least 50 years to describe people hallucinating while being totally drunk, in a delirium or suffering during withdrawal or a hangover. The white mice are supposed to be a sign of alcoholism and a warning to stop drinking altogether.
(Sklep) monopolowy
Meaning:
Lit. “a monopoly (store)”. This does not have anything to do with a monopoly in the current socioeconomic situation in Poland. But it had some 40 or 50 years ago.
Herbata z prądem
Meaning:
Lit. “a tea with electricity, an electric tea”. This might sound cryptic or dangerous but it is safe or even beneficial. The expression comes from the Tatra mountains and has been used by local sheepherders (and hotel owners), the górale, to describe a warming mix of tea and vodka (or vodka and tea).
Nie wylewać za kołnierz
Meaning:
Lit. “to not pour in the collar” which is a metaphor for a heavy drinker. You use this for people who enjoy more than one beer once a week but reserve some heavier terms like “pijak”, “ochlejtus” or “chlor” for those who clearly are alcoholics.