Bedeutung
To be frivolous or lacking seriousness.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Poland, 'mieć pstro w głowie' is often associated with the 'beztroska' (carefreeness) of youth. It is a common trope in Polish literature and film that a young protagonist must lose their 'pstro' to become a true adult. The word 'pstry' (speckled) was historically used to describe farm animals. A 'pstry' cow or bird was seen as less 'pure' or 'solid' than a single-colored one, which influenced the idiom's meaning of lacking substance. While Poland is becoming more casual, the workplace remains relatively formal. Using this idiom about a superior is a major social faux pas and could lead to disciplinary action. Polish parents use this phrase as a 'soft' reprimand. It is less harsh than calling a child 'głupi' (stupid) and implies that the child just needs to grow up and focus.
Use with 'jeszcze'
Add 'jeszcze' (still) to make the criticism softer, implying the person is just young: 'On ma jeszcze pstro w głowie.'
Not for the Boss
Never use this in a professional context. It's too informal and dismissive.
Bedeutung
To be frivolous or lacking seriousness.
Use with 'jeszcze'
Add 'jeszcze' (still) to make the criticism softer, implying the person is just young: 'On ma jeszcze pstro w głowie.'
Not for the Boss
Never use this in a professional context. It's too informal and dismissive.
The 'Oil' Contrast
If you want to sound very native, contrast it with 'olej w głowie' in the same sentence: 'On nie ma oleju w głowie, tylko pstro!'
Regionalisms
In some parts of Poland, you might hear 'mieć pstro w donicy' (donica = pot). It means the same thing!
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mieć' and the idiom.
Mój młodszy brat nie myśli o przyszłości, on wciąż ___ ___ w głowie.
The subject is 'brat' (he), so we use the 3rd person singular 'ma'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Select the natural-sounding sentence:
The idiom correctly describes a scatterbrained action (forgetting a birthday).
Match the person to the description.
Kto ma pstro w głowie?
Going to the mountains in flip-flops is a classic example of irresponsible, 'pstro w głowie' behavior.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
A: Marek znowu rzucił pracę bez powodu. B: ________
Quitting a job for no reason is a frivolous act, fitting the idiom.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Pstro vs. Siano
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMój młodszy brat nie myśli o przyszłości, on wciąż ___ ___ w głowie.
The subject is 'brat' (he), so we use the 3rd person singular 'ma'.
Select the natural-sounding sentence:
The idiom correctly describes a scatterbrained action (forgetting a birthday).
Kto ma pstro w głowie?
Going to the mountains in flip-flops is a classic example of irresponsible, 'pstro w głowie' behavior.
A: Marek znowu rzucił pracę bez powodu. B: ________
Quitting a job for no reason is a frivolous act, fitting the idiom.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenNo, it's not a swear word or even particularly rude. It's just very informal and slightly critical.
Yes! It's very common to say 'Mam dziś pstro w głowie' if you are feeling distracted or made a silly mistake.
Mostly, yes. If you use it for an older person, it implies they are acting immaturely for their age.
'Pstro' implies flightiness and lack of seriousness. 'Siano' (hay) implies the head is empty or the person is a bit slow/stupid.
Mamy pstro w głowie.
Technically yes, but it sounds weird. Stick to 'w głowie'.
Yes, especially in older literature or modern young adult novels.
No, it literally means 'multicolored/speckled,' but in this context, it represents 'useless stuff.'
Absolutely not. It would make you sound unprofessional.
Yes, 'być lekkomyślnym' (to be reckless/frivolous).
No, 'pstro' is an uncountable adverbial form here.
Yes, it is a universally understood idiom across all regions.
Verwandte Redewendungen
mieć siano w głowie
synonymTo have hay in the head (to be stupid/frivolous)
mieć olej w głowie
contrastTo have oil in the head (to be smart/sensible)
lekkoduch
builds onA person who is a 'light-spirit' or playboy
mieć muchy w nosie
similarTo have flies in the nose (to be cranky)
mieć głowę na karku
contrastTo have a head on one's shoulders
