Meaning:
Lit. “a cossack” is a common way to describe an (over)confident man willing to challenge himself and others in order to demonstrate bravery. This term can be positive as well as negative and the line is quite thin, depending on the context.
Category: Everyday life
Cegła
Meaning:
Lit. “a brick”, is a common humorous term applied to very long (and possibly also boring) books. Especially if you have to read them and are not happy about this.
Być na świeczniku
Meaning:
Lit. “to be on the candlestick”. Which is used to describe the reality of celebrities being closely watched and followed by the media and their consumers. Also for powerful politicians or managers in the corporate world.
Włożyć kij w szprychy
Meaning:
Lit. “to put a stick into the spokes”. To obstruct or prevent execution of a certain plan. Often by means of a treacherous action. As demonstrated by the famous Bike Fall Meme. But with a different person handling the stick.
Sztos
Meaning:
Lit. “a hit, strike” – in German. This is a loanword into Polish and since 19. century has been used to denote a successful action in card games or billiards. As well as having sex. Mostly among thieves and criminals, not in any official communication.