The curious Valencian expression that baffles the rest of Spain: when something is out of reach

In every region of Spain, there are expressions that define the local idiosyncrasy and directly reflect people's daily experiences. In the Valencian Community, one of these typical expressions is " encalar ," a verb frequently used among young people to describe what happens when something is out of reach, especially during outdoor games and when a ball is involved.

The expression "encalar" has a clear meaning: it's used when an object, usually a ball, is thrown to a high, hard-to-reach place . For example, when a group of children are playing soccer or basketball in the street and the ball ends up on a rooftop or in a difficult-to-reach elevated area , someone might exclaim, "You've encalado la pelota!"

A traditional game that has endured

Although "encalar" may seem like a regionally specific term, it's so commonly used among Valencian children that it has become a fundamental part of the local culture. It's used in games in which children, often improvised in streets or parks, throw balls and other objects into high places , which can cause laughter or frustration depending on the situation.

This expression is a clear example of how language reflects the daily activities of a community. In this case, the act of liming is associated not only with a child's game, but also with a way of seeing the world: things that are beyond our control or beyond our reach .

Although the expression is well-known in the Valencian Community, outside of it, it can be confusing to those unfamiliar with its meaning . However, it reflects the way Valencians have turned language into a natural and accessible tool for communication, linked to everyday experiences.