Building relationships between representatives of different generations can be difficult: you need to find such terms that will be understandable and not offensive to each of the participants in the discussion. One of the suitable options for addressing a senior comrade to a young one is a “salaga”. A word that comes from sea slang and does not have an offensive subtext is often used in interpersonal communication, but not everyone is given the full meaning to understand it.
Where did it come from?
Popular rumor immediately invented two original etymologies and even formed a full-fledged legend. Like, Peter I in his desire to Europeanize the country and put maritime business on its feet created specialized schools and training ships. Because of what, the salaga is a native of a certain “Alag”. Opinions disagree here, allowing interpretation:
- adaptation of the Finnish name of the island of Alanco;
- name of training sailing ship.
And before that, good teachers were on this island / sailboat, that their graduates proudly answered where they came from. Because of this, a capacious nickname for beginners was fixed.
What is the real origin?
Philologists have not found confirmation of tales: no islands, no ships. Experts have figured out what “salaga” means just a transcription of Finnish salakka or Estonian salakas. This is the name of the Baltic variety of rather small herring, which is easy to catch even with minimal dexterity. Over time, the characteristics of inexperience and defenselessness were extended to people, endowed with a figurative meaning:
How is it used in modern communication?
However, the Russian language does not imply an attempt to hurt or belittle achievements. At the household level, “salaga” is a simple indulgent appeal, whose interpretation varies depending on the circumstances. There are two decryption:
- young sailor, inexperienced;
- inept man, without experience.
The first option is considered slang, although it gained more popularity than alternative nicknames for recruits. The second appeared in everyday speech when ordinary citizens adopted a capacious word and adapted to their needs.
Is it possible to say that?
There is nothing wrong with adding a sonorous definition to the vocabulary. In absolutely any business, a novice is a salaga, and such a romantic concept surpasses the more crude “noob, jerk” by head. It sounds easy, with a touch of irony, so it does not hurt the feelings of the interlocutor even when indicating a lack of proper knowledge or skills. It is not suitable for official negotiations, but personal communication makes it brighter, more lively and informal, helps to establish a friendly relationship between the mentor and the ward.