Sayings

Sayings are short, conventional expressions that convey a general truth, practical advice, or shared cultural value. They arise in everyday speech as part of folk wisdom and are transmitted across generations through oral tradition, literature, and media. Sayings are often idiomatic and metaphorical; their meaning is frequently not obvious from the literal wording, and they are valued for being memorable and portable.

The term covers a broad range of forms. Proverb, maxim, aphorism, and adage are closely related categories. A proverb is a concise statement of a common truth; a maxim is a rule of conduct; an aphorism is a brief observation with a philosophical edge; an adage is an old, well-established saying. Idioms are expressions whose figurative meaning differs from the literal words. Together, these are the core of sayings in many languages.

Sayings typically use rhythm, parallelism, or imagery to aid recall. They function as social tools, shaping behavior, setting expectations, or explaining everyday phenomena. They appear in literature, education, media, and conversation, and they are often adapted to local contexts. Some sayings survive centuries, while others fade as cultures change. Modern usage includes social media memes and quotable turns of phrase.

Scholars study sayings to understand language, culture, and belief systems. Collections of proverbs and sayings exist in reference works and databases across languages. They illuminate values, humor, and power relations within communities and can be used in translation, pedagogy, and rhetorical writing.