Signification
To behave badly because one is bored by wealth.
Contexte culturel
There is a strong cultural trope of the 'New Russian' (новые русские) from the 1990s—people who suddenly became very wealthy and spent money in absurd, tasteless ways. This idiom was frequently used to describe them. In Soviet times, this phrase was often used in propaganda to describe the 'decaying West' (загнивающий Запад), suggesting that capitalists were acting out because of their excess wealth while workers suffered. On Russian TikTok and Instagram, you'll see this in the comments of 'lifestyle' bloggers. It's a way for the audience to keep the influencer 'grounded' or to express jealousy. In villages, the literal meaning is still understood. If a dog is overfed and stops guarding the house, a farmer might use this phrase literally and figuratively at the same time.
Use it for self-correction
If you are complaining about something minor, start with 'Я, конечно, с жиру бешусь, но...' to sound more likable.
Don't use with strangers
It's a direct insult to their character and lifestyle. Keep it for friends or talking about public figures.
Signification
To behave badly because one is bored by wealth.
Use it for self-correction
If you are complaining about something minor, start with 'Я, конечно, с жиру бешусь, но...' to sound more likable.
Don't use with strangers
It's a direct insult to their character and lifestyle. Keep it for friends or talking about public figures.
Generational gap
Older Russians (parents/grandparents) love this phrase. Using it correctly will make you sound very culturally fluent to them.
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate situation to use the phrase 'с жиру беситься'.
В какой ситуации уместно сказать, что человек «с жиру бесится»?
Complaining about cup holders in a luxury car is a classic 'first-world problem' that fits the idiom perfectly.
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Они уже не знают, что купить, просто с ____ бесятся.
The fixed form of the idiom is 'с жиру беситься'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb.
— Представляешь, она плачет, потому что ей подарили не тот цвет айфона! — Да она просто с жиру _______!
The subject is 'она' (she), so the verb must be in the 3rd person singular: 'бесится'.
Match the phrase to the speaker's intent.
Match: 'Я, конечно, с жиру бешусь, но этот кофе недостаточно горячий.'
Using the phrase about oneself is a way to show self-awareness of one's privilege.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesВ какой ситуации уместно сказать, что человек «с жиру бесится»?
Complaining about cup holders in a luxury car is a classic 'first-world problem' that fits the idiom perfectly.
Они уже не знают, что купить, просто с ____ бесятся.
The fixed form of the idiom is 'с жиру беситься'.
— Представляешь, она плачет, потому что ей подарили не тот цвет айфона! — Да она просто с жиру _______!
The subject is 'она' (she), so the verb must be in the 3rd person singular: 'бесится'.
Match: 'Я, конечно, с жиру бешусь, но этот кофе недостаточно горячий.'
Using the phrase about oneself is a way to show self-awareness of one's privilege.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's a strong criticism, but not a 'curse word.' It's like calling someone 'spoiled' or 'ungrateful.'
Yes, it's very common for parents to say this about their children's whims.
Usually, yes. It represents the 'fat' of a comfortable, easy life.
'Зажраться' is much more rude and slangy. 'С жиру беситься' is more idiomatic and slightly more 'polite' in its criticism.
Yes: 'Он тогда с жиру бесился.'
No, this idiom is inherently critical.
Yes, you can say 'Страна с жиру бесится,' meaning the whole society has become spoiled.
Yes, it's a staple of Russian classical and modern literature.
You can say 'Я с жиру бешусь.'
No, not at all. It refers to the 'fat' of their lifestyle, not their body.
Expressions liées
зажраться
synonymTo be spoiled/overfed to the point of arrogance.
кататься как сыр в масле
similarTo live in clover / to have a very easy, wealthy life.
золотая молодёжь
specialized formThe golden youth (rich kids).
знать цену деньгам
contrastTo know the value of money.
