Meaning
To be extremely busy or frantic.
Cultural Background
In cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, 'treximo' (running) is a constant topic of conversation. It's almost a social ritual to complain about how much one is running. The actor Thanasis Veggos is the personification of this phrase. His characters were always running frantically, making 'τρέχω σαν τον Βέγγο' a popular alternative. Greek mothers are often depicted (and self-depicted) as 'running like crazy' to take care of everyone, reinforcing the 'super-mom' archetype. Despite stereotypes of laziness, Greeks actually work some of the longest hours in Europe, making this phrase a very real reflection of their daily lives.
Match the Gender
While 'σαν τον παλαβό' is a fixed phrase, using 'σαν την παλαβή' as a woman makes you sound much more native.
Don't use with Bosses
It might sound a bit too informal or like you are complaining too much. Use 'Είμαι πολύ απασχολημένος' instead.
Meaning
To be extremely busy or frantic.
Match the Gender
While 'σαν τον παλαβό' is a fixed phrase, using 'σαν την παλαβή' as a woman makes you sound much more native.
Don't use with Bosses
It might sound a bit too informal or like you are complaining too much. Use 'Είμαι πολύ απασχολημένος' instead.
The 'Veggos' Alternative
If you want to make a Greek person laugh, say 'Τρέχω σαν τον Βέγγο'. It shows deep cultural knowledge.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'τρέχω' and the article.
Εμείς _______ σαν _______ παλαβούς για να τελειώσουμε το έργο.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (we), so the verb is 'τρέχουμε'. Since 'παλαβούς' is plural, the article must be 'τους'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am very busy' informally?
Πώς θα το έλεγες σε έναν φίλο σου;
'Τρέχω σαν τον παλαβό' is the standard idiomatic expression for this context.
Match the situation to the correct variation of the phrase.
1. A woman rushing to a meeting. 2. A group of students during exams. 3. A man looking for his keys.
The gender and number of the 'palavos' part should ideally match the subject.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesΕμείς _______ σαν _______ παλαβούς για να τελειώσουμε το έργο.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (we), so the verb is 'τρέχουμε'. Since 'παλαβούς' is plural, the article must be 'τους'.
Πώς θα το έλεγες σε έναν φίλο σου;
'Τρέχω σαν τον παλαβό' is the standard idiomatic expression for this context.
1. A woman rushing to a meeting. 2. A group of students during exams. 3. A man looking for his keys.
The gender and number of the 'palavos' part should ideally match the subject.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIn this specific idiom, no. It's a very common and lighthearted way to describe busyness. However, calling someone 'παλαβός' directly can be mildly insulting, like calling them 'nutty' or 'silly'.
Yes! 'Οδηγεί σαν τον παλαβό' means he drives like a maniac/very fast.
'Τρελός' is the standard word for 'crazy'. 'Παλαβός' is slightly more colloquial and can sometimes mean 'silly' or 'eccentric'. In this idiom, they are interchangeable.
Related Phrases
τρέχω και δεν φτάνω
synonymTo be so busy that you can't keep up.
γίνομαι παλαβός
builds onTo go crazy (from stress or noise).
στο πόδι
similarOn the go / in a hurry.
πνίγομαι
similarI am drowning (in work).
