Meaning
To talk nonsense or deceive.
Cultural Background
Slovenians are known for being pragmatic and hardworking. 'Selling fog' is one of the worst insults for a professional because it implies a lack of 'vsebina' (substance). In the wider Balkan region, similar phrases exist (e.g., 'prodavati maglu' in Croatian/Serbian). It reflects a shared historical skepticism toward bureaucracy. Modern Slovenian startups often use English buzzwords. Older generations often dismiss this as 'prodajanje megle v angleščini' (selling fog in English). Slovenian investigative journalists often use this phrase in titles of articles exposing corruption or failed government projects.
Use the Noun Form
You can use 'prodajanje megle' as a subject. Example: 'Prodajanje megle je v politiki običajno.'
Don't be too rude
Calling someone a 'prodajalec megle' to their face is a strong accusation. Use it carefully in professional settings.
Meaning
To talk nonsense or deceive.
Use the Noun Form
You can use 'prodajanje megle' as a subject. Example: 'Prodajanje megle je v politiki običajno.'
Don't be too rude
Calling someone a 'prodajalec megle' to their face is a strong accusation. Use it carefully in professional settings.
Perfective vs Imperfective
Use 'prodal mi je meglo' if you actually lost money or were successfully tricked.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the noun 'megla'.
Ne verjemi mu, on samo prodaja ______.
The verb 'prodajati' requires the accusative case, which for the feminine noun 'megla' is 'meglo'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'prodajati meglo'?
Katera situacija je 'prodajanje megle'?
Empty promises without a financial basis are the definition of 'selling fog'.
Match the Slovenian phrase with its English equivalent.
Poveži pare:
Each variation has a slightly different nuance in Slovenian.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Ali bo projekt končan jutri?' B: 'Direktor pravi, da mogoče, če bo sonce sijalo...' A: 'Spet ______ ______!'
The director is giving a vague, nonsensical answer, so he is 'selling fog'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Selling vs. Stirring
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNe verjemi mu, on samo prodaja ______.
The verb 'prodajati' requires the accusative case, which for the feminine noun 'megla' is 'meglo'.
Katera situacija je 'prodajanje megle'?
Empty promises without a financial basis are the definition of 'selling fog'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each variation has a slightly different nuance in Slovenian.
A: 'Ali bo projekt končan jutri?' B: 'Direktor pravi, da mogoče, če bo sonce sijalo...' A: 'Spet ______ ______!'
The director is giving a vague, nonsensical answer, so he is 'selling fog'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is informal and critical, but not a swear word. It's like calling someone a 'bullshitter' but slightly more poetic.
No, it's usually for bigger deceptions or empty promises, not small social lies.
The opposite would be 'govoriti dejstva' (speaking facts) or 'biti konkreten' (being concrete).
Yes, Croatian and Serbian use 'prodavati maglu', which is identical.
No, that's a literal translation from other languages. In Slovenian, it's always 'megla'.
You use the perfective: 'Prodal mi je meglo.'
Yes, you can say 'zavajati' (to mislead) or 'dajati prazne obljube' (giving empty promises).
Yes, if the seller lied about its features, they were selling fog.
Yes, as long as it's the object of 'prodajati'.
A person who habitually lies or makes empty promises, often a politician or a bad salesman.
Related Phrases
Mešati meglo
similarTo stir fog / To waste time
Prodajati bučke
similarTo sell little pumpkins
Nategovati ljudi
synonymTo scam people
Prazne obljube
synonymEmpty promises
Lati se dela
contrastTo get to work
