The curious Valencian expression that baffles the rest of Spain: when something is out of reach
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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!"
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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 .
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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.
El Confidencial