• Listen

  What it means

  Literally “burn six,” this exclamation is used to dismiss something as unimportant — “to hell with it,” “forget it,” or “who cares.” It expresses resignation or deliberate indifference towards something that is not worth worrying about. Poles use it when they have decided to stop caring about a problem, a failed plan, or an annoyance. The origin of ‘sześć’ (six) is obscure, possibly derived from an old card game expression.

  Vocabulary

  • palić — to burn (imperfective); also 'to smoke'
  • pal — burn! (imperative singular of 'palić')
  • sześć — six (the number)

  Grammar note

  'Pal' is the second-person singular imperative of 'palić' (to burn/to smoke). Despite its grammatical form as a command, the phrase is used as a fixed exclamation and does not actually instruct anyone to burn anything. The phrase is invariable — it does not change form regardless of the subject. It often stands alone as a sentence.

  Cultural context

  This is an everyday, completely inoffensive expression suitable in all registers including polite company. It functions as a mild, resigned alternative to stronger swear words. The numerical 'sześć' is a phonetic placeholder — its actual meaning is irrelevant. The phrase is used nationwide and across all age groups.

  Intermediate

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