Tamarian language has a number of in-universe phrases, with “Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra”, “Sokath, his eyes open”, and “Shaka, when the walls fell” being probably the most popular.

Which phrases would be in the language, if Star Trek was used the source for myths and metaphors? Here are a couple of examples that I’ve either seen somewhere else or came up with myself.

  • “Sisko, his plan thwarted.” – when something is fake (scene from “In the Pale Moonlight”).
  • “Q’s present to Data” “Q’s gift to Data” – laughter (from this scene)
  • A bunch from the root beer scene in DS9 (a favorite of mine):
    • “Quark’s Kanar” – useless merchandise
    • “Garak drinks root beer” – disgust
    • “Quark and his cousin’s moon” – envy
  • “Pulaski calling Data” – mispronunciation (scene)
  • “Kira Nerys and pottery” – about a vocation or a hobby that is imposed on a person (from her D’jarra in DS9 episode “Accession”)
  • “Picard’s four lights” – resiliency under pressure/torture (scene)
  • “Data is fully functional” – sexual proficiency (scene)
  • “Lieutenant junior grade Picard” – lack of ambition (TNG episode “Tapestry”)

What do you think of these? I’d love to hear more examples. I’d also appreciate improvements in wording, because some of the above are pretty awkward.

  • atlasraven31@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    “Shax ejecting the warp core” overwhelming delight/lifelong achievement (Star Trek Lower Decks)

    • eva_sieve@startrek.website
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      1 year ago

      I’d be remiss if i didn’t point out we have an actual, canon phrase (“Arnock, on the night of his joining”) that we know is appropriate for such an occasion though.

      • atlasraven31@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        You wonder if Tamarian kids pick up new slang to confuse their elders? Or preserve some stories for inside jokes/ciphers?