The sardines are eating the anchovies: Is this an Italian proverb?

Cafe Society
1

Many years ago, I occasionally encountered a middle-aged Italian-American guy who would respond to my query of “What’s up?” with something like “le sarde si mangiano le alici.”

I’m not good at Italian grammar, but he said the literal meaning was “the sardines are eating the anchovies” and it was a standard reponse, meaning something like “not much” or “the usual.”

This guy was many generations removed from his Italian ancestry, and didn’t speak any other Italian, so he couldn’t give me much detail.

Is this a real phrase in Italian? If so, what’s the correct grammar and usage?

2

Yes, there is an Italian saying: Le sarde mangiano le alici.

It means “the sardines eat the anchovies.” It is used to refer to the situation where the wealthy can support themselves and lead a happy life whereas the less wealthy get to be supported by friends. Or something like that.

3

I meant to say “le sarde si mangiano le alici,” but “le sarde mangiano le alici” can also occur as in the following comment: “Come si dice, le sarde mangiano le alici, chi è ricco vive felice, chi non lo è viene mantenuto dagli amici.”

4

Thanks ! What does that last bit mean?

5

This:

Although I am Romanian (not Italian) our languages resemble. I think it can be translated as:“As they say: the sardines eat the anchovies - he who is rich lives happily; who he is not gets to be supported by friends.”

So, this comment both includes the proverb and offers an indication as to its usage.

6

Thanks!

So can it be used as a general response to “what up?” or “What’s happening?” or “How are things?”

7

Not much to add, except that anchovy-flavored sardines sound delicious. :smirk:

8

Indeed: “I may not be swell, but I’m not doing badly either.” That is: “I’m moderately fine” or something like that.

9

That’s great! Thanks! A 25-year-old mystery solved!

10

You should visit Italy more often. :slight_smile:

I am joking, of course, but to be able to visit Italy whenever you want feels like a blessing.

11

Amico mio! I have been to Italy in 2018, 2016, and 2014!!! It’s my favorite place on earth! If possible, i would never leave.

12

Probably the world’s best vacation spot.

13

Do sardines eat anchovies IRL?

14

Yeah, I was gonna say that would be one awesome pizza!

15

Moving up one level from sardines and anchovies as specific fish species, the literal English means “The small fish eat the tiny fish”. Going up one more layer metaphorically it means “The rich get richer, the poor get poorer.”

As applied to the OP’s friend, I think when the OP asks “How’s it going?”, the answer is really more of a resigned & cynical “Same shit different day; the rich get richer, the poor get poorer. And I’m down here on the poor end w the schlubs like you.”

16

This is my take on it too. They’re definitely at the bottom of the food chain.

17

The sardine Italians would be familiar with is the European Pilchard, so no, they eat plankton, as do the anchovies.

18

You guys are great!

19

We know that now, but would the people who coined the expression have known it?

20

No idea, but my first impression based on the expression is that they didn’t. And even though I know I wouldn’t have any qualms about using that expression.