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  What it means

  Literally “cholera takes (it/you).” A mild expletive expressing frustration, anger, or surprise — “damn it,” “hell,” “what the devil.” Variants: “cholera wie” (the devil knows), “cholera wzięła” (damn it all).

  Vocabulary

  • cholera — cholera / devil / damn (expletive)
  • brać — to take

  Grammar note

  'Cholera' is used as a euphemism for the devil. 'Bierze' is third person singular present. Can be used with accusative: 'cholera cię bierze' (damn you).

  Cultural context

  A very common mild curse in Polish — stronger than 'kurczę' but not as vulgar as actual profanity.

  Beginner

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