Calavera no chilla corresponds to a part of a lunfarda expression –mainly from Buenos Aires-, also considered one of the most popular sayings in common speech. Generally, the expression means that there is no place for complaints when someone has gotten into trouble - parties or others.
For example, the mother of the son said “skull, don't scream” to her son when she tried to wake him up to tell him that he had to go to work: “Get up, you can't complain, the skull doesn't scream”.
According to some analysis by some specialists, it is said that the phrase began to be used in the slums in Buenos Aires, to later spread in the rest of the capital, until it reached the Uruguayan communities settled in Montevideo.
Likewise, it is also estimated that it has a series of meanings, thanks to the idioms and adaptations of those who are both in Argentina and Uruguay.
However, the main meaning refers to the fact that if the person is used to going on a spree, he must bear the consequences of his actions.
Although it is used in the context of parties and celebrations, it is believed that the phrase can be used independently of the context, since its connotation is more or less flexible.
Origin
The term "skull" is used as a synonym for people who prefer parties and lack of control. It began to become common since the appearance of the character Tirso de Molina, Don Juan Tenorio, who received this qualification.
According to the story, the expression was used as an adjective for those young people who practiced polygamy or infidelity in the vicinity of cemeteries. Therefore, the manifestation of the lower passions was associated with the dead, the skulls and the spirits of the night.
However, it should be noted that some authors indicate that the word actually came originally from Voltaire, whose connotation was settled in the writings of Beaumarchais who, apparently, included it in the Barber of Seville.
The truth is that, in any case, due to European migrations, both this and other words were adhered to in the Spanish spoken in the Southern Cone to later become lunfarda slang.
Meaning
In the course of time, the word was added to the lunfardo vocabulary, especially in the humble neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Therefore, it is believed that it dates back approximately 150 years.
Likewise, the two main meanings related to the expression are mentioned:
-It is estimated that "skull does not scream" is the abbreviation of the longer phrase "Skull does not scream and the piola (awake, cunning person) sells it (endure, endure)", which in its principles was said to people who they have a tendency to go partying to the point of being out of control. That is, if you enjoyed an intense night of partying, it is not worth complaining under any circumstances the next day.
-There is the Uruguayan variant: "Skull does not scream, but fights", whose meaning is different from the one previously exposed, since it indicates that there is no room for complaints, especially when it has voluntarily involved in a problem (and more when the consequences are known).
-The other meaning is more or less related to the previous item, with the variant that after having been involved in a complex situation, the person expresses complaints about it.
-It also seems to apply to individuals who are lazy but who, due to some circumstance, must work or make an effort.
Usage examples
-The head of the department told the subordinate that "skull, does not scream", leaving a pile of reports on the desk because he had to work.
-A girl makes a series of medicinal preparations to pass a hangover. She says to herself "skull, not screaming."
-A student knows that he should not take his cell phone to school but he does so despite the prohibition. She takes it out while in class and that is when the teacher takes it and puts it away. The rest of the companions tell him: "skull, don't scream."
- "What a skull you are made."
- "Complain less and hold the skull."
- "His mother cries to the fart because her son is a skull" (corresponds to an Argentine saying).
Similar phrases
Some phrases equivalent to this expression are:
- "Sarna con gusto no pica" (said mainly in Venezuela).
- "He who wants blue, let it cost him."
- "Whoever likes peaches, let the fluff stand up."
- "He who does not risk, does not win, but if you lost exit through the forum."
- "Whoever wants fish, get his ass wet."
- "Who knows how to stay up late, must know how to get up early."
Curiosities
- "Skull" is a term widely known as a synonym for the person who likes partying, fun and hedonism in general. Its use became popular thanks to literature.
-Some famous authors who introduced the term are: Pedro Alarcón and Miguel de Unamuno. Even antecedents of the expression have been found in some writings from Peru and Cuba.
-It is believed that its use is widespread in the vicinity of the Río de la Plata.
-The director Luis Buñuel made the film called "The Great Skull" which refers to a vividor who is repentant but who seeks that others do the same as him.
-In Argentina only the abbreviation of the phrase is usually used. On the other hand, in Uruguay, the extended version is used: "Skull, does not scream but fights".
- “Scream” is also considered as a lunfarda word that means “protest” and / or “shout”.
Some Argentine proverbs
- "Who gave you a veil at this funeral?": Expression to reproach that one person has interfered in the affairs of another.
- “Bolear for the pulpero”: it supposes that a person consumes or takes advantage of the earnings of someone else's work.
- “Ox only licks well”: indicates that sometimes it is preferable to do certain acts on your own.
- "Change shirt": used to rate those people who change sides or opinion on a very regular basis. It is used mainly in the political and sports fields.
- "Chocolate for the news": it is a form of gratitude towards a person who gives news or information that was already known.
References
- What is skull does not scream? (sf). In Current Dictionary. Retrieved: July 9, 2018. In Current Dictionary of current dictionary.
- Skull. (sf). In Todo Tango. Retrieved: July 9, 2018. In Todo Tango de todotango.com.
- Skull doesn't scream. (sf). In WordReference. Retrieved: July 9, 2018. In WordReference at forum.wordreference.com.
- Skull doesn't scream (scream). (sf). In WordReference. Retrieved: July 9, 2018. In WordReference at forum.wordreference.com.
- Origin and meaning of "the skull does not scream". (sf). On StackExchange. Retrieved: July 9, 2018. In StackExchange of spanish.stackexchange.com.
- Argentine proverbs. (sf). On Wikiquote. Retrieved: July 9, 2018. In Wikiquote at es.wikiquote.org.
- Meaning of skull. (sf). In What-means.com. Retrieved: July 9, 2018. In Qué- significa.com de que-significa.com.