Signification
Low-status person acting superior.
Contexte culturel
Historically, Thai society was divided into clear ranks (Sakdina). Moving between ranks was rare. This proverb reflects the traditional suspicion of those who move up too quickly without the 'proper' upbringing. In Thailand, the toad (Khangkhok) is a symbol of ugliness and lowliness, whereas the White Elephant or the Garuda are high symbols. Using a toad as a metaphor is a deliberate choice to be as insulting as possible. This phrase is often used in rural areas to describe people who move to Bangkok, find success, and return to their village acting like they are too good for rural life. In modern Thailand, the term 'Hi-So' (High Society) is coveted. People who try too hard to look 'Hi-So' but lack the manners are often mocked with this proverb.
Very Offensive
This is a strong insult. Never use it to someone's face unless you want to start a fight.
Use with 'ทำตัวเป็น'
The most natural way to use this is 'อย่าทำตัวเป็นคางคกขึ้นวอ' (Don't act like a toad on a palanquin).
Signification
Low-status person acting superior.
Very Offensive
This is a strong insult. Never use it to someone's face unless you want to start a fight.
Use with 'ทำตัวเป็น'
The most natural way to use this is 'อย่าทำตัวเป็นคางคกขึ้นวอ' (Don't act like a toad on a palanquin).
Social Media Usage
You will see this a lot in the comments section of Thai news about celebrities or politicians.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
พอเขารวยขึ้นมา ก็ทำตัวเป็น____ขึ้น____
The correct proverb is 'คางคกขึ้นวอ'.
Which situation best describes 'คางคกขึ้นวอ'?
Which person is a 'คางคกขึ้นวอ'?
The phrase describes someone who gains wealth and becomes arrogant/insulting.
Match the Thai word to its English literal meaning in the proverb.
Match the components:
These are the three literal components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: 'สมศรีได้เป็นผู้จัดการแล้วพูดจาข่มลูกน้องทุกคนเลย' B: 'ใช่ ยัยคนนี้มันพวก_______'
B is agreeing that Somsri is acting arrogant after a promotion, which fits 'คางคกขึ้นวอ'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesพอเขารวยขึ้นมา ก็ทำตัวเป็น____ขึ้น____
The correct proverb is 'คางคกขึ้นวอ'.
Which person is a 'คางคกขึ้นวอ'?
The phrase describes someone who gains wealth and becomes arrogant/insulting.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the three literal components of the phrase.
A: 'สมศรีได้เป็นผู้จัดการแล้วพูดจาข่มลูกน้องทุกคนเลย' B: 'ใช่ ยัยคนนี้มันพวก_______'
B is agreeing that Somsri is acting arrogant after a promotion, which fits 'คางคกขึ้นวอ'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBy itself, no, it's just a toad. But in metaphors, it's always negative, implying ugliness or low status.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. It applies to anyone acting arrogant after a status change.
It's an ancient Thai palanquin. Think of it like a royal carriage carried by people instead of horses.
You could say 'เขาลืมตัว' (He forgot himself), which is much softer and less insulting.
No, that would be 'ภูมิใจ' (proud). This phrase is only for negative, looking-down-on-others arrogance.
Only in gossip. You would never use this in a professional meeting.
Toads have bumpy, 'ugly' skin in Thai perception, making the contrast with a beautiful palanquin stronger.
The imagery is old, but the phrase is used daily in modern Thailand.
It sounds like 'Waw' in 'saw.' Mid tone, long vowel.
No, idioms are fixed. You must use 'Wo' even if it's an outdated object.
Expressions liées
กิ้งก่าได้ทอง
similarA lizard that gets gold and acts proud.
วัวลืมตีน
similarThe ox forgets its own feet.
หนูตกถังข้าวสาร
contrastA mouse falling into a rice bin.
กบในกะลาครอบ
contrastA frog under a coconut shell.
