Food and beverages through paremias, locutions, stereotypical comparisons and sayings

Abstract

This article delves into the phraseology related to food and beverages in Colombia, analyzing how these expressions reflect cultural identity and regional diversity. A database of oral and written sources was compiled, drawing from Colombian proverbs, the Diccionario de Colombianismos (2018), and the Diccionario de Americanismos (2010), with the latter's search restricted to locutions marked for use in Colombia. The most frequently referenced food products in paremias, locutions, stereotyped comparisons, and representative sayings include rice, coffee, beans, corn, potatoes, sugar cane, milk, and its derivatives, among others. Colombian gastronomy serves as a mirror of the country's ethnic, cultural, and geographic diversity, while also functioning as a point of convergence that fosters dialogue, mutual understanding, and a sense of connection between the different regions of the nation. In the Colombian context, the phraseology surrounding food, dishes, utensils, ingredients, and traditional preparations reflects not only the culinary richness but also the cultural significance of food. This lexicon extends beyond the practical function of sustenance to shape and express a collective cultural and social identity, underscoring the role of gastronomy as a vital element in the construction of shared heritage and values across Colombia.