On Fri, 22 Mar 2002 18:24:57 -0500, "James Pannozzi" <jimserac@mindspring.com> wrote: >Is anyone familiar with the following Sicilian expression (possibly >archaic). I am using phonetic spelling to show how it is spoken: > >"Shatay Mata!". Yes I'm (but I'm not familiar with english :-( ) The corretc expression is: sciàtara e matàra (phonetic: shatara a matara). >This expression was typically used to express great surprise. Exact. >Does anyone know its exact meaning and the area of Sicily that would have >used it. In all areas with many differences: - sciàtiri e matìri; - sciàtri e màtri; followed (but not ever) by: - e vogghiu diri (and would I say); - e viddicu di vecchia (and umbilic of an old women). - e ddiavuluni (and big devil). The meaning is very uncertain. - From greek: sciatara=Salvatore (attribute of God) and matara=mother (of God). - From arabian: «sàteru yà ma taràà» («God! Great God compassionate!») or «satiru yà ma tara» («what clever you see!»). - From latin bat the meaning is too complex (for write it in english). Is is possible that expression whit same significate have not the same origin (in various areas). -- Ciao. Sergio®