Rough Translation of the above caption is:

Yes (sir), Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin)!
We are cutting(shutting) this Stock Market the f*ck off!!!

The fist word, before the comma is Est, which is kind of like Got It. That is how they say Yes Sir in Russian Military!  

Vladimir Vladimirovich are Putin’s First and Middle Name, which is a customary way of addressing someone formally, to show respect! But, of course, the Military and Respect flavors are even more culturally revealing, but I am not getting into a novel here. In short:

For a Civilian (in this case) to respond to a Civilian Leader using Military Lingo is a Russian "cutesy-ness":). The ommission of Putin's Last Name, implies: of course everyone in Russia knows who we are talking about -- there is only one Vladimir Vladimirovich, and of course we mean Putin!

What makes that caption even more "folksy-adorable" is a proximity of formality-respectability in the 1st sentence and the 2nd sentence -- “We are cutting(shutting) this stock market the F*CK off!!! ”   

But on a more serious note, word F*CK in this case further underscores the differences between the New East, and Old West...

Yes, Russia has their branches of power like Supreme Court, and Parliament, but, to me, word F*CK in this context symbolizes the single-handed immediacy of of Putin’s power, which is different from how US President and other Elected Officials were dealing with the recent Economic events, making speeches and deals. Do people know that for sure, do I? I personally don't know, but, from what I've seen thus far, Putin is perceived to have Tsar-like power.

But, I am not looking to get into politics here. I just hope that my attempt to explain Russian humor survives the translation, and the email format! I originally sent this out as an email. Then a friend, wrote back:

"Wow!  What a detailed and wonderful explanation.  Thanks for this Arkady. "

So, I thought, what's one more webpage out there, or at least among friends?!

Meanwhile, even though Putin is a Prime Minister, and thus #2 after the new president, Medvedev, it’s probably assumed that he is still in charge, and that “briefcase-chair swap” is just a workaround against the Two Term Limit, and having to re-write the Constitution... The following photo speaks to that:

That’s Russia’s current “President” Medvedev in the picture on the wall, behind Prime Ministr Putin sitting at the desk, and Putin (Vladimir Vladimirovich) is in the picture behind Medvedev (in the picture)! Cute political humor concept, I think! B

As to the actual politics back in the former USSR, I am not really an expert.... I just found these pictures entertaining, and I though you might also?!

Best regards to all, and may this find you On The Sunny Side of The Street:), more often than not! ( pun intended!)

Music On/Off

Read about this music piece, "Smelo Tovarishi V Nogu"!!!

Lyrics Translated..., roughly...

I might extend this page, and Comment on that song... But quickly for now: its Title, "Boldly, Comrades, Marching!", had become almost a proverbial expression in the former USSR! How long that would last in today's Russia and beyond? I don't kow! That expression can be used in a humorous way very easily! Just ask some ex-Soviets!

In general, proverbs are used in Russian language quite often. I personally like that a lot... And speaking of languages, I often find the Translations to be lacking! Here is what I mean:

Sometimes, when a joke fails, you hear this expression: I guess you have to be there...

Not everything can be learned from the books. Langauge skills fall in that category. You gotta be, live there. And then it's who one "hangs" with...

I like talking to different people, from different backgrounds, and adjust my English or Russian accordingly! Sometimes I wish they could let me into Arms or whatever Treaties Negotiations! Between my language skills, and "vibe", I think we could have a party! Why? Cause, I often see a certain stiffness in the VIBE of the "professionals". As they say in the music biz -- "they don't swing"!!! [ask a musican to explain that one, preferably a Jazz player]. And, if they'd let me bring my horn, I am even more sure that I could contribute to the World Piece!

Hey, it's a nice dream to take to bed sometimes!

But seriously, having aquired some Entertainer Chops over the years, I've been known to put a smile on people's faces both through my music and words! And what I've noticed many times is this -- it doesn't matter how good the language connection is, or what kind of music it involved. It's the ability to CONNECT with people! Luckily for me, I have that gift, and now the trick is to find a way to make a living from it, and share in the collective fun!

Hey, it's a nice dream to take to bed sometimes!

"Mutual sincerity is the cause of most fights!"
                -- a quote off Russian TV

You are invited to Subscribe to ARKADY LIST and receive a Free Newsletter sometimes!!!

We respect your Privacy and always use BCC Email!!!

Connect with Arkady!!!

Back to Main ARKADY - RUSSIAN HUMOR Page!