How to Read “背戸の馬も相口”
Sedo no uma mo aikuchi
Meaning of “背戸の馬も相口”
“Back gate’s horse also matching mouth” means that even those who are usually gentle and obedient may sometimes argue back or talk back.
This proverb is used in situations that seem surprising at first glance. It refers to situations where someone who is usually compliant and doesn’t complain suddenly asserts their own opinion or expresses opposing views. The expression shows understanding that if even a horse quietly kept behind the house would talk back, then it’s only natural that humans would do so even more.
The reason for using this expression is to show acceptance and understanding rather than surprise at someone’s unexpected reaction. It has the effect of changing the surprise of “I can’t believe that gentle person argued back” into an accepting feeling of “well, these things happen sometimes.” Even in modern times, it can be used in a positive context when someone who is usually modest clearly states their opinion.
Origin and Etymology
When exploring the origins of “Back gate’s horse also matching mouth,” we can see that the lifestyle of farming villages and townhouses during the Edo period is deeply involved.
“Seto” refers to the back of the house, namely the backyard or area around the back entrance, and during the Edo period, many households kept horses. Horses at that time were valuable labor and indispensable for farm work and transporting goods, but they were also friendly animals that were like family members.
“Aiguchi” tends to be understood in modern times as meaning “affability” or “compatibility,” but originally it was an archaic word meaning “talking back” or “arguing.” In other words, this proverb means “even a horse kept behind the house sometimes talks back.”
The background to the birth of this proverb is thought to be the surprise that people in the Edo period felt at the unexpected aspects of animals through their close relationships with them. Even usually obedient and gentle horses sometimes showed unexpected reactions. This expression was born from such everyday experiences.
For people of that time, the “unexpected reactions” of animals were familiar and easy-to-understand examples. Thus, “Back gate’s horse also matching mouth” became established as a proverb expressing how unexpected reactions can come from surprising places.
Interesting Facts
Horses in the Edo period were apparently much more familiar presences than we imagine today, and were often treated as family members. Especially in farming households, there was a custom of giving horses names and talking to them as if they were human.
The archaic word “aiguchi” had a completely different meaning from the modern “compatibility,” referring to “talking back” or “arguing.” For this reason, modern people often misunderstand the meaning when they first hear this proverb.
Usage Examples
- For the usually quiet Mr. Tanaka to express his opinion in a meeting, it’s truly Back gate’s horse also matching mouth
- For that modest newcomer to make a proposal is exactly Back gate’s horse also matching mouth
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Back gate’s horse also matching mouth” is beginning to take on new meaning. In the information age, it’s not uncommon for people who usually don’t speak up to suddenly express opinions actively on social media or in online meetings. Digital tools are providing opportunities for even modest people to speak up.
Changes in workplace environments are also influencing the modern interpretation of this proverb. Traditional seniority systems and hierarchical relationships have become more relaxed, creating an atmosphere where even junior employees and newcomers can freely express their opinions. Situations where “usually quiet people make proposals” are seen more frequently than before.
Moreover, in modern times that emphasize diversity, people from various positions are encouraged to speak up. People who were previously inconspicuous like “back gate horses” expressing their opinions tends to be welcomed.
On the other hand, the “surprising” aspect of this proverb may be fading in modern times. This is because in an era where everyone can speak freely, it’s no longer particularly surprising for modest people to express their opinions.
However, the basic structure of human relationships hasn’t changed. Sometimes a single word from a usually quiet person can have the most important meaning. This proverb still accurately expresses this essential aspect of human nature.
When AI Hears This
The “seto” (back alleys) of Edo period tenements functioned much like today’s private social media accounts. While residents displayed their “public faces” on the main streets through business dealings and neighborly interactions, behind their homes lay a “space of authentic expression” where laundry hung to dry, neighbors gathered for gossip sessions, and children ran freely.
What’s fascinating is how the seto, though physically part of each household’s private domain, actually functioned as shared community space. Boundaries between neighboring homes were blurred, and everything from borrowing soy sauce to sharing domestic complaints flowed naturally through this network. This very structure gave rise to “aiguchi” – the phenomenon where values and preferences gradually align among those who share the same space.
We see identical patterns in modern social media. People who post socially appropriate content on their public accounts reveal their true thoughts on private accounts, forming echo chambers with like-minded individuals. Edo period back alleys and today’s closed social networks are remarkably similar in that both serve as “spaces for sharing authentic thoughts within invisible boundaries.”
In essence, “Even the horses in the back alley share the same taste” captures a universal characteristic of the private spaces humans create – making it a timeless proverb that transcends eras.
Lessons for Today
What “Back gate’s horse also matching mouth” teaches us today is that everyone has hidden thoughts and opinions inside them. Even quiet, modest people are thinking and feeling various things in their hearts.
What’s important is to value the “unexpected words” of such people. The opinions of people who don’t usually speak often contain fresh perspectives and deep insights. Perhaps we should listen carefully when someone who is usually quiet speaks up in meetings or discussions.
This proverb also gives us courage. There’s no need to hold back because “I’m usually quiet” or “I don’t usually speak up.” The thoughts and opinions you have inside will surely resonate with someone.
Modern society seeks diverse voices. People who think of themselves as inconspicuous like back gate horses actually have valuable perspectives. Don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard. That will be the first step toward creating a richer society.
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