Feet Quote by Wilfred Owen
“The English say, Yours Truly, and mean it. The Italians say, I kiss your feet, and mean, I kick your head.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Soldier", WWI era
Different cultures express affection in contrasting, sometimes harsh, ways.
In simple terms: Cultural sayings differ in tone.
Key Takeaway
Understand cultural nuances in expression.
Themes
culture
communication
humor
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- travel
- multicultural work
- relationships
- diplomacy
Key Concepts
linguistics
social anthropology
conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you interpret such sayings?
- What does this reveal about cultural values?
A Different Perspective
Humor can mask deeper tensions.
![“We always ate with gusto...It would have offended the cook if we had nibbled or picked...Our mothers and zie [aunties] didn't inquire as to the states of our bellies; they just put the food on our plates. 'You only ask sick people if they're hungry,' my mother said. 'Everyone else must eat, eat!'…” quote by Sergio Esposito](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/72e/sergio-esposito-166744_food_we-always-ate-with-gusto-it-would-have-o_759109.jpg)
![“Of the Black Prince [his son] at Crécy, 1345: Let the boy win his spurs. [Old English] Also say to them, that they suffre hym this day to wynne his spurres, for if god be pleased, I woll this iourney be his, and the honoure therof.” quote by Edward III of England](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/02a/edward-iii-of-england-100092_black_of-the-black-prince-his-son-at-cr-cy-134_3172759.jpg)
