February 18, 2022

Punk Rock, Folklore, and Putin


Punk Rock, Folklore, and Putin
As always, Putin keeps things interesting. Press Service of the President of Russia

On February 8, Putin made a trip to France to speak with President Emmanuel Macron. While discussing the elephant in the room (Ukraine), Putin made an interesting comment in reply to Ukraine's complaints about the Minsk Agreements: "Like it or don’t like it, it's your duty, my beauty. You have to do it, there's no other way." Many found the comments insulting and even obscene, but what exactly was Putin saying?

At first glance, Putin seemed to be quoting the lyrics of the Russian punk band Red Mold. Putin quoting a raucous punk band would be a bit strange, and, as the band would later confirm, the words were actually taken from folklore. Yet "my beauty" is a twentieth-century misogynistic slight from obscene ditty used by male yard workers.

This was certainly not the first time Putin has thrown professionalism into the wind, and chances are it won't be his last. As tensions continue to mount, we can only bet (and hope) that more curious Putin quotes will emerge.

 

You Might Also Like

Nepotism Takes to the Ice
  • January 17, 2022

Nepotism Takes to the Ice

The son of one of Putin's buddies was recently named the head of a professional hockey team, with no previous experience.
Top Dogs
  • January 10, 2022

Top Dogs

The Russian Cynological Society announced Russians' favorite dog breeds for 2021.
The West's Holodomor Unmasker
  • August 05, 2020

The West's Holodomor Unmasker

A street in Kyiv is being renamed in honor of a journalist who helped expose Soviet Ukraine’s deathly famine.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955