Re: Slang, idioms etc. in conlangs

On Mon, 26 Mar 2001, Mark Hutchinson wrote:

> Has anyone out there made up much slang/idiomatic phrases for their conlangs?
> Cos I'm a bit of a newbie and would like some tips on slang, idioms etc. I
> have a pretty complex inflecting language, and I want a less formal version
> for use in the race's normal life. Any tips?
Not a whole lot, and the idioms are "in translation" because I took my
primary conlang apart for major overhauling.  (I think I *finally* have a
phonology-evolution that makes sense and that I'm happy with.)  Slang,
not much; but idiom is one of my favourite areas of lexis because you can
do fun cultural things with 'em.

Examples:
"to walk the blade's edge": something like "walking a fine line," though
often connoting matters of conscience or matters of war (Chevraqis)

"to leave with a soldier's salute": to die (in battle); a variant of this
is "to salute the Horned Mare," a goddess of birth/death (Qenaren Chevraqis)

"the game that is not a game": euphemism for war (Qenaren Chevraqis)

If I had time I'd think up some non-war-related ones.  <sigh>

YHL