Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra85861922roya).pdf/459

  Some rhyming Sayings in Malay.

From time to time the diligent listener and gleaner of unconsidered trifles will during his intercourse with Malays happen upon little scraps of proverbial lore or the rhyming equivalents for such which are part of the common stock in trade of conversation but are not to be found in any printed work on the language.

Of such are the following which have been collected no further afield than in Singapore and Penang and in the localities where they are current it is only necessary to quote the first line to convey the meaning contained in the second.

1. Pinjam ekor sěmbilang; Pinjam pinjam hilang. To lend the tail of a sĕmbilang fish: To lend continuously is to lose.

A caustic remark applicable to a goodhearted person who has lent an article once too often, or to an importunate borrower.

2. Měrpati mĕmbunoh kĕra; Bělum mati bělum jěra. The pigeon slays the kĕra monkey: Only when dead will you profit by experience.

A saying applicable to a person or child who persists in a course from which he has been advised to desist.

3. Takok takal muka pintu; Orang nakal memang bĕgitu. Cleave the block in the doorway: That is the inevitable result of being naughty.

A reproof administered to a mischievous child who has perhaps fallen down and is crying over a trifling hurt.

4. Ikan tokak makan mĕranggong; Sĕdap těkak badan mĕnanggong. The tokak fish bite two at a time: If you indulge your appetite your body must bear the consequences.

A jibe at the expense of a person suffering from the effects of a debauch of any description.