If you’re Maltese, you’ve probably grown up hearing your nanna or parents throw out some memorable phrases on windy days. And today, with the islands being absolutely battered by strong gusts, it feels like the perfect time to explore some of the iconic sayings about the wind that are part of our culture.

These sayings aren’t just words - they’re usually a mix of humour, wisdom, and a little bit of weather-forecasting, Maltese-style! Here's a look at a few of the most popular ones and their meanings - feel free to casually drop one of these gems into conversation while the wind howls outside!

'Ir-riħ imexxi l-bastimenti, imma hu jgħarraqhom.'

(The same wind that drives ships can also sink them.)

This saying captures the dual nature of wind - it can be both a blessing and a curse. The same wind that propels ships forward on their journey can also whip up storms that sink them. It’s a classic Maltese reminder of life’s contradictions - the very thing that helps you can also harm you if it’s not handled wisely.

'Meta jonfoħ ir-riħ, dejjem iħaxxen xi ħadd.'

(When the wind blows, someone always profits.)

This saying gives a taste of the more ironic side of Maltese humour. It means that whenever there’s chaos or inconvenience, there’s always someone who benefits - maybe a clever business owner who starts selling umbrellas when the rain begins to pour!

'Riħ isfel, riħ mejjet.'

(A south wind is a dead wind.)

This phrase refers to the 'riħ isfel', or south wind, which in Malta is associated with heavy, humid, and oppressive weather. It’s called 'dead wind' because it can feel like it saps your energy, leaving you sluggish. On days when the south wind rolls in, you might hear someone sigh this out loud, followed by a complaint about how sticky everything feels.

'Riħ ta' ġenb jagħmel ħsara fil-qafas.'

(A side wind damages the frame.)

More than just a weather saying, this is a life metaphor. A 'riħ ta’ ġenb' (side wind) is unpredictable, like those sharp gusts that come out of nowhere and knock you (or your rack of laundry) off balance. It’s a warning to be prepared for life’s curveballs, whether it’s literal wind or unexpected challenges that have a tendency of cropping up when you least expect them.

This collection of sayings is a testament to the fact that our ancestors weren’t just weather watchers, they were storytellers who used nature as a way to reflect on life. From the practical to the poetic, these sayings show how deeply tied we are to our environment - and how a touch of humour can make even the windiest day better!

Do you have a favorite wind-related saying?