Σιγά το ταβάνι and Σιγά και γελάσαμε

[Theseus]

i) Σιγά το ταβάνι
ii) σιγά και γελάσαμε
What do the above idioms mean? Does i) mean the same as σιγά τα λάχανα; i.e. signifying criticism of someone's achievements and implying you could do better. And does ii) mean 'Like hell we laughed'?:down:

 

[Hellegennes]

These are not idioms on their own merit. It's the use of σιγά expressing irony. One possible translation would be:

--How is this a ceiling?
--We're not laughing.

It's similar to "don't make me laugh":

--Σιγά το γρήγορο αυτοκίνητο ρε φίλε.
--Is this a fast car? Don't make me laugh.

 

[drsiebenmal]

i) Σιγά το ταβάνι

These are not idioms on their own merit. It's the use of σιγά expressing irony. One possible translation would be:
--How is this a ceiling?

Not necessarily for the first one, Helle. It could also mean: Watch for the ceiling! (or, in another context: go slowly, here comes the ceiling). We would need context to be sure, Theseus.

Σιγά και γελάσαμε is clearly ironic.

 

[bernardina]

For σιγά το... see also σιγά τον πολυέλαιο, σιγά τ' αβγά etc.

Σιγά το ταβάνι might refer to an exaggerated merry behaviour, as in an extremely strong/hysterical laugh, a blooper, a flub etc, meaning an emmission threatening to bring the ceiling down.

 

[Hellegennes]

Not necessarily for the first one, Helle. It could also mean: Watch for the ceiling! (or, in another context: go slowly, here comes the ceiling). We would need context to be sure, Theseus.

True, but I usually take for granted that commas are used appropriately, hence I would expect a comma after σιγά in that sense (σιγά, το ταβάνι). Although that's how I would say it, others may omit the comma pause, in speech. So, yes, it could still be used in that sense without a comma.

 

[AoratiMelani]

We would need context to be sure, Theseus.

Yep, context, please.