Jak jasna cholera
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What it means
Literally “like bright cholera.” A common intensifier expressing frustration, emphasis, or exasperation — the Polish equivalent of “like hell” or “damn it all.”
Vocabulary
- jak — like / as / how
- jasny — bright / clear (euphemistic intensifier)
- cholera — cholera (mild expletive)
Grammar note
'Jasna cholera' is nominative after 'jak'. 'Jasna' softens 'cholera' slightly while intensifying the whole phrase.
Cultural context
One of many Polish expressions combining 'jasny' with a mild expletive to create an emphatic but not fully vulgar intensifier.
Beginner
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