Ukrainian Up — Real Language for Ukrainian Learners

2.11. Jokes Google Can’t Translate (A1–A2)


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In this episode, Larissa and Alex decode why your feed keeps saying “varenyky floor,” “loud cotton,” or “go to Kobzon’s concert”—and how bad auto-translate + dark humor turn into Ukrainian memes. Beginner-friendly, cozy, and practical.

You’ll pick up simple lines (and meme keys):

  • «Pidloha varenyka» — really “varenyky floor.”
  • «Bavovna» — “cotton” → cheeky “boom.”
  • «Swan Lake» — TV shorthand for “the end is near.”

Grab the word list + your free explainer video in our Facebook group Ukrainian Up Podcast — practice with kind humans and start decoding your feed in 💛💙

Heard Episode 2.11 and caught the vibes… but not the words? Same, friend. Here’s your cozy remedy:

Podcast Pack 2.11 — a simple, gentle way to finally hear it, say it, and keep it. ⁠⁠⁠Check it here!⁠⁠⁠

What’s inside (only $5):

  • 🎧 Full episode audio

  • 📄 Script (PDF) with English translation + timecodes + explainer + 5 control questions

  • 🎬 Mini word video (learn + pronounce key phrases)

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Ukrainian Up — Real Language for Ukrainian LearnersBy Tutor Larissa