Self-love is good but not to the point where it clouds one’s ability to see one’s own faults. And this Vietnamese wisdom reminds us in a humorous proverb, which says that the cat thinks its tail is the longest and most beautiful. Although it is a very common saying in Vietnam, the saying is not popular outside the country, although there are many other sayings with similar warnings.Today’s Vietnamese proverb is: “Méo Khên Meo Dai Đại” which literally translates to “The cat praises its own tail for being long.”
Literal meaning of Vietnamese proverb
In Vietnamese culture, cats are often portrayed in folklore as clever but somewhat vain, timid or self-centered. The proverbial cat is not praising another cat, he is praising his tail. A long tail does not provide any additional advantage to the cat; This is just a physical characteristic but the cat thinks it is better than others.
What’s wrong with self-praise?
If we don’t praise ourselves then who will? What’s wrong with self-praise in an age of pomp and pageantry? The proverb addresses this issue correctly and explains that the problem lies in ostentation, in being proud of something that is of little value. It also deprives us of looking within ourselves and discovering valuable qualities instead of looking at and appreciating our physical appearance.When someone aggressively promotes themselves, their accomplishments, or their family background, Vietnamese culture views this not as confidence, but as a lack of sophistication. The proverb uses gentle satire and humor to poke fun at this behavior, subtly reminding people that self-praise diminishes one’s true value in the eyes of the community.
Similar proverbs around the world
“Every crow thinks its chick is the whitest” is an English proverb that expresses the same blindness as every crow thinks its chick is the whitest.“To blow one’s own horn”, “to blow one’s own trumpet” are other English proverbs to the same effect.
Why is this Vietnamese proverb relevant today, promoting self-love and self-appreciation?
Social media runs on self-praise. And as people engage with social media platforms, scrolling through this mindless display of ostentation, this saying is a reminder to be rooted. The timeless Vietnamese proverb acts as a mirror to human vanity. It reminds us that true merit does not require self-advertisement. When you’re truly skilled, kind, or successful, your actions will speak for you, and the world will notice without you even having to tell. Mocking the self-absorbed cat praising its own tail, this proverb teaches us to practice humility, seek objective self-awareness, and remember that the most beautiful traits are those recognized by others—those we have not asked for ourselves.The proverb teaches that personal experience often shapes our judgments more than objective evidence. Be it family life, politics, business, education or social media, people naturally admire the qualities they already possess. The next time someone confidently proclaims that their own method, culture, profession, or opinion is unquestionably the best, this old Vietnamese proverb offers a gentle reminder: Maybe it’s just another cat admiring the length of its tail.