Amharic:
English: It’s hard to choose the most beautiful monkey.
Collected: Amsterdam, Netherlands (12-16-2018)
Origin: A common saying in Ethiopia. Used when faced with all bad choices. Heard it from her father.
Tag Archives: monkey
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Dutch: Ook al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding.
English: Even if a monkey would wear a golden ring, it would still remain an ugly thing
Collected: Amsterdam, Netherlands (12-16-2018)
Origin: Dutch expression that you learn in elementary school as part of Dutch sayings and proverbs
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Spanish:
English: Dress a monkey in silks, she’s still a monkey.
collected: Jamaica, Queens (05-14-2016)
origin: common expression from Mexico City that she remembers from her childhood. Used to describe someone who is a “wannabe.”