"No hay mayor desprecio que no hacer aprecio."
/noh eye mah-YOR des-PREH-see-oh keh noh ah-SEHR ah-PREH-see-oh/
There is no greater scorn than to show no appreciation.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"No hay mayor desprecio que no hacer aprecio."
🎨 Visual Representation
The proverb suggests that indifference can be a more powerful and painful form of contempt than outright anger.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
A traditional Spanish proverb ('refrán') from the collective folk wisdom of the Spanish-speaking world. Its exact origin is unknown.
📝 In Action
Su exnovia ni siquiera lo miró en la fiesta. Ya sabes, no hay mayor desprecio que no hacer aprecio.
B2His ex-girlfriend didn't even look at him at the party. You know, there is no greater scorn than to show no appreciation.
Prefiero que me critiquen a que me ignoren. Como dice el refrán, no hay mayor desprecio que no hacer aprecio.
B2I'd rather be criticized than ignored. As the saying goes, the greatest contempt is indifference.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
This proverb is part of the 'refranero español,' a vast collection of traditional sayings passed down through generations. These sayings were a primary way of transmitting folk wisdom, cultural values, and observations about human nature before widespread literacy.
🌍 Cultural Significance
Deeply rooted in Spanish and Latin American culture, this saying reflects the importance of social recognition and respect. The sting of being slighted or made to feel invisible ('ninguneado') is a powerful social concept, and this proverb perfectly captures that sentiment.
📚 Literary Analysis
The effectiveness of this proverb lies in its concise, balanced structure and its clever wordplay. It contrasts 'desprecio' (contempt) with its near-antonym 'aprecio' (appreciation). This phonetic and semantic parallel makes the phrase incredibly memorable and impactful, a hallmark of a great proverb.
⭐ Usage Tips
Commenting on Indifference
Use this phrase to explain why being ignored can hurt more than being openly disliked. It's perfect for situations involving unrequited love, professional slights, or social ghosting.
A Touch of Wisdom
Quoting this proverb adds a touch of worldly wisdom to a conversation. It shows an understanding of subtle, but powerful, aspects of human psychology and social interaction.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: No hay mayor desprecio que no hacer aprecio.
Question 1 of 2
What is the core message of 'No hay mayor desprecio que no hacer aprecio'?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this proverb considered old-fashioned?
Not at all. While it's a traditional saying, the psychological truth it expresses is timeless. It's still commonly used today to describe social dynamics in personal and professional life.
What's the difference between 'desprecio' and 'odio' (hate)?
'Odio' is a strong, active emotion of hatred. 'Desprecio' is contempt or scorn, which implies you see someone as beneath you. The proverb argues that taking this a step further—by not even acknowledging someone's existence ('no hacer aprecio')—is the ultimate expression of that contempt.