1

There is a steady expression in Russian: "для особо одарённых". It can be used in such context:

Повторяю для особо одарённых...

Straight translation is "I repeat for the gifted". But in general it highlights (on the contrary) the lack of talent or even the stupidity of the one for whom they repeat. So it is a kind of irony.
Is there a correct English equivalent for this (to use both spoken and written)? Or maybe for example the phrase "I repeat for outstandingly gifted students..." can convey the irony?

7
  • 1
    the thing is that if they found you explanations of what this mean insufficient there’s a risk you’d be downvoted. If you believe that this question is totally fine to be just migrated - just let me know, I’ll do it immediately
    – shabunc
    Feb 20, 2020 at 10:58
  • @shabunc I don't think it is totally fine, but I want to know if there is an equivalent. So let's migrate it!
    – red0ct
    Feb 20, 2020 at 11:15
  • 1
    This link has several dozen ways to call someone stupid: cartalk.com/radio/letter/… . They are all ironic. You could say, "Let me explain this if you're a few french fries short of a Happy Meal." Or "Here's another way to explain it if your mind wandered and never came back."
    – rajah9
    Feb 20, 2020 at 12:23
  • @rajah9 Thanks, took into account.
    – red0ct
    Feb 20, 2020 at 12:44
  • I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because it is a translation request from Russian.
    – CJ Dennis
    Feb 21, 2020 at 1:55

3 Answers 3

8

I would simply translate literally, "... for outstandingly gifted students." The reader will instantly get the irony.

8
  • I think that anything can sound ironic if the appropriate tone, and facial gestures are added. If I were to suggest an improvement, it would be ""And for the mentally gifted among you..." with emphasis on "mentally". I say this as "mental" is an informal adjective for "insane" or "having mental problems/disadvantages" and this carries through and specifies in the adverb.
    – Greybeard
    Feb 20, 2020 at 11:55
  • @Greybeard I think you should post this as an answer.
    – red0ct
    Feb 20, 2020 at 12:02
  • @Greybeard : Oh, it was just a quick answer of mine on the Russian SE, before the question was migrated by the admin together with my answer. I simply wanted to suggest that there is possibly no direct established equivalent in the English language and that a more or less literal translation will work in most contexts. The OP even edited his question by adding the phrase suggested in my answer.
    – Mitsuko
    Feb 20, 2020 at 12:14
  • I would definitely not put emphasis on "mentally". That's too on-the-nose and also just plain rude. If anything I would omit it altogether, as indeed the original actually does. Mitsuko's suggestion is quite fine in that regard.
    – RegDwigнt
    Feb 20, 2020 at 12:22
  • 1
    As far as I know, the most common context in which the original Russian phrase is used is this: a lecturer explains something, and then a student asks a stupid question about the very basics of what has just been explained. So the lecturer reacts in a humorous way, "All right, and now let me explain such a difficult nuance to the most gifted of you."
    – Mitsuko
    Feb 20, 2020 at 12:32
0

In my experience this phrase can be used in multiple contexts and not specifically to point at someone's lack of intelligence. For example:

Для особо одаренных - автобус отъезжает завтра в 8 утра

This can be used as a poke towards a person or group of people who are known to be tardy and make sure they get to the bus on time.

Similarly, it can be used in other contexts and in spoken language isn't normally considered offensive. Often it's used simply to emphasize the importance of what's been said.

1
  • 1
    This doesn't really answer the question of what the equivalent expression is in English. Feb 23, 2020 at 0:04
0

I believe the most of the answerers confused meanings. "Особо" ("особенно", "особенный") is not only means 'very', it also means 'different', "special".

Therefore, most literal translation is "for specially gifted".

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.