The Russian language is very rich in ancient phraseological units with a distant history. They not only decorate our speech, but also help to more accurately express our thoughts. The meaning of “not salty bread” also goes back to ancient Russia.
History of phraseology
Today, salt is available in every home. Food is salted according to personal preferences and recipe recommendations, and not counting on saving this very common product.
From the 9th to the 16th centuries, Russia had a completely different picture. According to historians, salt was a very rare and valuable seasoning, and it was very expensive. The reason for this was the lack of sources of product extraction in the state. It had to be imported from other countries, but the road was long and difficult. The robbers who actively traded on the way of the Chumaks and high taxes on the import of goods did not improve the situation. But salt was only mined in the state in the 15th century.
Nowadays, the hostess salts dishes in the process of their preparation. In Russia, however (due to such a shortage of product), food was salted on each plate separately. Often the owner himself did this with his own hand. Welcomed and respected guests, the head sat next to him. The closer a person was to the owner, the more honorable was his place. Trying to express a special disposition to the visitor, the owner could even salt the dish well. To let the guest go without feeding him was considered a bad manners rule, but not to salt the served food was quite allowed. As a result, those who were sitting on the other side of the table often left after eating lean food, realizing that they were not welcome in the house. And so came the meaning of "sloppy bread."
The use of phraseology in the literature
When used in folk speech, phraseological unit could not but affect folklore works. It vividly describes the situation and uses the expression "slurping salty" folk tale "The Fox and the Crane." After the hospitable reception of the fox, the crane paid it back with the same coin. The owner prepared a delicious roast, but put it in a jug with a narrow neck. No matter how much the guest tried to reach for the delicacies, she “went home like a slurp”.
This tale vividly illustrates the use of phraseology in the old days. The fox went to visit, counting on a warm welcome, despite her cunning, but left in bitter disappointment.
What is the meaning of the phrase "not salty slurping"
Previously, phraseology was used to determine hospitable reception, when a guest was left without honor and attention. They also said about such a visitor that he left with nothing. When the arrival of salt in Russia was established, the meaning of "not sipping sloppy" did not lose its popularity.
Today, using this stable phrase, they give him a sense of disappointment, deceived hopes. The meaning of "unsanctioned slurping" is associated with unjustified expectations. Someone who has not achieved the desired result leaves unsolutely slurping.