Someone please explain what "papaya" means other than a fruit?

webmanco says on Nov 27, 2006, 09:45:

Search and found Click here to find out. Author: Lars Brink

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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podborski says on Nov 27, 2006, 09:47:

it means don´t leave yourself open to be easily taken advantage of.

Like walking around with a wad of bills hanging out your back pocket, or leaving your purse or camera on a table when you go for a pee.

It seems to me it´s a bit of a cultural thing, like if you give 'papaya' it's almost someone's duty to take it. Sort of like you deserve to lose if you are soooo dumb.

Any Colombianos care to give their opinion if that is really the case or not? Am I reading too much into it?

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Colombiche says on Nov 27, 2006, 09:51:

Dar papaya You explained so well Pod, I have absolutely nothing to add to your definition.

"Papaya dada, papaya partida"

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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diobahn says on Nov 27, 2006, 10:37:

dar papaya .........poor misunderstood fruit the papaya. In Cuba, they call it 'fruta
bomba'..cos for them, papaya is the equivalent of 'cunt'.

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juancegomez says on Nov 27, 2006, 10:44:

.. podborski is right about the meaning of the term, completely, but the "duty" bit isn't so strict in practice. For example, somebody might well warn you about your "giving papaya" instead of taking advantage of you.

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Lisa Zee says on Nov 27, 2006, 11:28:

Dar Papaya! I have bees saying that for a long time, I am sorry, I did not know it was very commun. DO NOT BE OBVIOUS, DON`T SHOW YOU HAVE MONEY, OR WEAR CLOTHES THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT, DO NO PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER, SOMETHING LIKE THAT. IT IS A SLANG, AND VERY OLD.

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podborski says on Nov 27, 2006, 12:23:

but is it even somewhat acceptable to take papaya if it is so easily offered?

Obviously a lot of honest people would never do so, and I was warned many times by colombians when I left my backpack zipper open or something like that.

The only thing I ever had stolen in my roughly 6 months in Bogota was a half used up disposable camera, which the bartender told me to watch, but I didn't bother as I could not imagine anyone would want to pay to develop my photos, but they did as it was gone in a flash, so to speak.

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goin_south says on Nov 27, 2006, 12:48:

good pun, podborski So, in other words, in Colombia, (but I think the world over)... the 'papaya' thing has to do with ethics: Always take advantage of a person, if they leave an opening for you. And, do Colombians pride themselves on this rule, and claim it all for their own?

If this is accurate, I don't think all Colombians operate their lives this way. From those I know personally, which granted is not that many, I know those that are honest, and put in a hard days' and nights work for what they have, rather than looking to take advantage of those who appear less than completely alert.

I went to a college in the midwestern plains of Oklahoma, where you literally could have left anything on campus and upon returning in two weeks,... to most of your dismay, the thing that you left, irregardless of value, would have still been there, in its place.

I don't think all Colombians live by the papaya rule. At least not all the time, every moment of every day. I don't think all Colombians are out to take advantage of anyone and everyone, without earning that advantage.

But, I know and understand that a foreigner without certain skills, is ... leaving himself open to 'abuse', or 'giving papaya'. I have been fortunate to be with my gf for the entire time, each time I have been in Colombia. Most certainly, with only 3 trips under my belt and with my 'mad manglish', I am no veteran visitor to Colombia, and I have pre-meditated what my comfort level would be, going to Colombia alone, without someone - native - to guarantee she would be with me the entire time, and I can tell you now, I would be QUITE THE CHARITABLE GRINGO :)

I think next visit, I will jus head for Exito and buy a bunch of Papaya and stand out on the street corner, and start yelling:
I AM GIVING PAPAYA! GRINGO! GIVING PAPAYA! AQUI! Of course, I will get the proper spanish interpretation, so they will all come running,,.... or, maybe they will all turn the other way... ;)

And, I am wondering if it is not more 'Colombians who see an easy advantage to steal away from a Gringo isn't quite 100% capable of looking out for his own goods.' For instance, as so many here say and give advice: Get a local to make your hotel reservations for you; they will probably be able to get a a better rate (because you are obviously the green banana gringo)

...speaking of,...Where has Platano been lately?

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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Lisa Zee says on Nov 27, 2006, 13:21:

NO NOT ALL COLOMBIANS! OF COUSE NOT! Hellow!!! this is a poor country, and it goes for anyone, and in any country where poverty exist. You just have to watch over your shoulder. I always say that to help all of you foreners. I want you to have a good experince while in Colombia. I am not talking about nice educated people. Yeah, maybe they teach us in elementary school: How to, "robarle a los Gingos"!!!. I think the guy that was asking got the point, let`s leave it like that.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Nov 27, 2006, 13:27:

oh dear galecito You're much too sweet for your own good. I hope your pastusita is going to take good care of you for those silicone jaguars are going to rip you apart in that Colombian asphalt jungle.

Cheers,
Desi

«Sé que los seres humanos y los peces podrán coexistir en paz». ( George W. Bush, Saginaw 29-09-00)

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Nov 27, 2006, 13:33:

"How to Rob Gringos 101" Is than an elective or a required course?



;-)

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Lisa Zee says on Nov 27, 2006, 13:59:

Ha,Ha,HA Muy gracioso. Ja,jaja. And we come to the states for a masters degree!.

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Mononoke28 says on Nov 27, 2006, 14:27:

Casi pero no "Dar papaya" doesn't necessarily mean "to be easily taken advantage of". It could also mean to tease or to push other people's buttons. Ex. Someone starts teasing you about whatever and you take it all in stride but they keep doing it and you tease them back in a way they don't like, so you say "Ahhhh, pa' que me dió papaya".

"Dar papaya" can also mean walking around with all your jewlery on so thieves can easily see you're loaded. Or pull out $100 dollar bills when you pay for something. You're "dando papaya". An easy target.

There are many other situations when you can use that phrase, but that's basically it.

Diana

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goin_south says on Nov 27, 2006, 14:49:

course for greengos: "Encubra la papaya 102"

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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podborski says on Nov 27, 2006, 16:02:

at Lisa Zee I was just asking, I really didn't think so, but wondered at times as I have been with a few colombianos who made jokes about it, but they never did rip anyone off that I knew of.

Trust me, I think the world of Colombians in general. Even more so after spending a few months in Argentina...

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juancegomez says on Nov 27, 2006, 16:10:

Mononoke28 Yes, but in that case, teasing or pushing other people's buttons is also a way of taking advantage of another person, even if only for humorous purposes, so the definition still fits, if you're flexible enough about it.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Nov 27, 2006, 16:22:

exactly, like setting yourself up for something you are also giving papaya. It's leaving yourself open, vulnerable to be taken advantage of, in any possible way.(Just like pod said).

The concept is pretty ingrained in the Colombian way of thinking, just like the malicia indigena, and people who don't take advantage may be considered dumb or weak (pendejos) especially in certain circles.

Cheers,
Desi

«Sé que los seres humanos y los peces podrán coexistir en paz». ( George W. Bush, Saginaw 29-09-00)

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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goin_south says on Nov 27, 2006, 16:39:

The concept is pretty ingrained in the Colombian way of thinking (Never) leaving yourself open; hence, always on guard; a 'defensive' mind-set of living. And, I have to think maybe it has to do with FOURTY YEARS. Or, was it (has it been) like this before the uncivil war? (Careful; you'll give away your age) Or, is it something that has been engrained for hundreds of years? And, yes I think Colombians (many on here) and some others I have met in person, seem to be a little bent that direction (or, alot)

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Nov 27, 2006, 17:08:

that's not what I meant, galecito but more like glorifying the opportunists; looking down on people who have exposed themselves, admiring people who take advantage of every possible situation for their own benefit. That's the negative side of the concept. The positive side would be ´the street smarts, the resourcefullnes, the fast thinking, the creativity. It's part of the survival skills in tough environments and Colombians have developed this skill to a state of art.

Cheers,
Desi

«Sé que los seres humanos y los peces podrán coexistir en paz». ( George W. Bush, Saginaw 29-09-00)

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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webmanco says on Nov 27, 2006, 17:20:

!!

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2006-12-17 00:00:00 GMT-05:00

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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goin_south says on Nov 27, 2006, 17:29:

si, Desi. but, I think it's your bedtime, now... Or, is it still daylight in Finland at 1 am?
I have an idea, but it misses by about a day and a half; What are you counting down to webmanco?

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 27, 2006, 17:45:

Lisa Zee, si te ofrezco un plátano, te aprovecharías de mí?

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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Colombiche says on Nov 27, 2006, 17:56:

To Desi's point Colombian culture does tend to glorify the smart ass.


"Me lleva el o me lo llevo yo..........".

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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goin_south says on Nov 27, 2006, 21:25:

Colombian culture does tend to glorify the smart ass? Except for on PBH
Or, even more so, on Pbh?
oh; excuse me; mostly greengos here.

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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Lisa Zee says on Nov 27, 2006, 21:36:

You just don`t get it You all turned a good advise into something negative. But go ahead, have fun, and go around few times with the same stupid thing. QUE PESAR TANTOS IDIOTAS QUE NO PUEDEN SINO HACER COMENTARIOS INUTILES.

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goin_south says on Nov 27, 2006, 21:42:

And, imagine, LZ Desi says: it use to be even more fun! ;)

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 27, 2006, 21:49:

Useless comments and insults are the house specialties. I ask you, who in their right mind, would go to PBSH for advice? There are always going to be sources, your family, your friends, acquaintances with a lot more knowledge than is found here.

My solution to the problem is to require all posts to be in Spanish and delete anything which is not written in Spanish. That would eliminate 98% of the gringo traffic along with the idiotic posts.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Nov 28, 2006, 00:38:

I'm sorry if I offended you by my previous comment about the Papaya Culture. I thought it needed to be pointed put that many Colombians are rather proud of this culture. Not all, gods, of course.

Cheers,
Desi

(I'm up again, galecito and nothing bad happened while I slept ;) )

«Sé que los seres humanos y los peces podrán coexistir en paz». ( George W. Bush, Saginaw 29-09-00)

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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elchantajista says on Nov 28, 2006, 00:51:

i assure u there is more that 2 % of gringos can write and read spanish, big mistake latinos make thinking that the stupid gringos can't understand spanish, like some Mex. found out in a cab ride with me when they tried to stick me with paying thier fair, along with a few other incidents i could mention, we don't just love the chicas we love to speak spanish as well as the culture

anda de parranda en Bogota
"Vicente"

anda de parranda en Bogota "Vicente"

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Nov 28, 2006, 01:46:

Here in the UK there are a sets of adverts, in one of the adverts there is a guys in a Disco talking about his mobile phone he is talking to the camera, saying how good it is, how expensive and all sort of thing the mobile can do and put it on the table, the other advert is a guy talking about his car in a carpark the same set how good the car is, how expensive it was and etc... but at the end of these the advert there is a message and said "don't advertised yourself to the thieves"


so in a few words here in the UK are adverts telling people for them to keep their thing safe no de papaya.

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podborski says on Nov 28, 2006, 04:11:

true kat, but you have to admit latin americans (and probably all developing nations) take it to another level.

I am starting a business here in BsAs and every local I deal with gets this wild look in their eyes as we talk about possibly doing some business. I can see them looking right past me, with dollar signs dancing in their eyes.

They don't realize how easily noticeable it is and how quickly that causes me to distrust them. Everyone I talk to tries to sell me on the services of their entire family, everyone has a friend who is the best lawyer, best notary, best interior designer, etc.

I understand people are struggling, but you don't get ahead in the long run by being dishonest or trying to overcharge the foreignor. We learn eventually.

And what we learn is to do business with other gringos who we can trust. Sad but true.

I was told early on that I need to learn the phrase: ' a mi no papa', meaning I am no gringo tonto fresh off the boat (even though I am, lol).

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Nov 28, 2006, 04:21:

podborski, but them that ois podborski, but them that is not dar papaya, for me dar papaya is to advertised yourself, with the best clothes, showing off or going to places you shouldn't putting yourself in a vulnerable position, what are you are saying have another term in Colombia because you are not giving papaya, this people think they can take you for a ride and see in you cara de gringo bobo which you are not.

when in Colombia somebody try to take advantage of you the expresion we have is, "Y es que me vieron cara de gringo o que?" hehehe

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goin_south says on Nov 28, 2006, 04:44:

Utopia has a tough but probably good idea about 'everything spanish'. Although I have many other resources, I think if all on pbh was todos espanol, it would further my spanish skills more quickly. No options; speak spanish, or die ;)

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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elchantajista says on Nov 28, 2006, 05:02:

para aprender a los gringos podrian hablar espanol lo que pasa ellos tenderian que pratical todos los dias y a los bato en el taxi no pudieron darme a la papaya porque yo les di a la papaya premira orale !!!!!!!!!!!! lol
no tengan miedo cuando estan hablando esp.
anda de parranda en Bogota
"Vicente"

anda de parranda en Bogota "Vicente"

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podborski says on Nov 28, 2006, 18:25:

kat I know it's not the same thing...I'm off topic as usual.

I'll remember the cara de gringo phrase, but in Colombia I don't mind being 'taken advantage of' if you know what I mean, nudge nudge, wink wink

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goin_south says on Nov 28, 2006, 23:20:

Beware: All Points Bulletin: Coon-Ass Siting in Bogota.
Damn; if the Guerillas try to get this guy, I know he's gonna YELL & SCREAM AT THEM to ............ "G..E..T .....F.*.#.K..E..D..!" Like Elmodofoque recommended.

"Give?.....Papaya?"
Have any of you guys ever known a real Coon-Ass??? He will take the Papaya and Shove it Up Theirs! They will be recruitin that MF! Respectfully.

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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famsearch says on Nov 30, 2006, 23:33:

i've heard... ...that "papaya" can be more than just things that can be easily, how shall we say, creativly acquired. i was told it's also along the lines of, say, women wearing mildy suggestive clothing, that if they are going to wear short skirts and low cut shirts, they shouldn't complain about people noticing what's being openly displayed.
dan

dan

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lozza says on Dec 1, 2006, 05:43:

It's nice to see this thread is more balanced on it's view of the 'papaya' culture as there have been previous threads where people have insisted that papaya is a way of life and anyone and everyone in Colombia will take advantage if given the chance. I don't find this to be the case, and though i am aware of opportunists, i am also pretty relaxed (to the point of dippy) sometimes but have never had a 'papaya' related experience. On the contrary, i would like to give a couple of personal experiences that i can remember which gave people the perfect opportunity to 'take' papaya (I'm guessing if you GIVE papaya, the other person TAKES it?!?!? - i'm getting too gramatiacally anal now eh!?!.
Anyway:

- Several times (usually after a few drinks) when i've been standing in street bars being told by people to put away the wads of notes hanging out my pockets.

- When getting off a bus, not noticing the several 100, 200 and 500 peso coins that i'd deposited in my seat, the young chicle seller who was doing the rounds, caught up with me to return my money.

- While spending the holidays with my parents (over from UK) in Santa Marta, my mum told me that one night, after they had returned to their hotel in Taganga from Santa Marta, she had left her new (fairly expensive) straw hat in the back of the cab (which they had hailed in the street). Half an hour after the cabbie had dropped them off he returned with the hat.

- Constantly being warned that my shoulder pack zipper is open (it's actually driving me crazy being told coz it's broken so i CAN'T close it!!).


Maybe I only notice these positive occurrences and that actually for every time i drop money and it's returned there are ten other times where it's pocketed, or each time a pocket full of dough is noticed there are ten times that it's half-inched!!! I like to think not.

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RogueOne says on Dec 1, 2006, 06:15:

Papaya means "breast" in Brazil "Mamão, it is called in Brasil.
"Breast" in Ingles.

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Mononoke28 says on Dec 1, 2006, 10:11:

You're right Dan... ... it's pretty much every time you set yourself up for something. Whether it's sexually or otherwise. Any time you leave yourself open for any of these circumstances... you're "dando papaya". =D

Diana

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aztec says on Dec 3, 2006, 06:12:

My wife tells me we... ...should be careful and not give papaya when we are in Bogotá. As for instance, I wanted to purchase a large SUV. Now that is giving papaya!

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