Etimological and cultural features of proverbs, sayings, and lexical units involving the color “Red” in English and Uzbek

Abstract

This article presents a comparative etymological and cultural-semantic analysis of proverbs, sayings, idioms, and lexical units containing the color “red” in English and Uzbek. The study aims to investigate the historical origins, semantic evolution, and symbolic interpretations of red in both languages. Using descriptive, comparative-typological, etymological, and cultural-semantic methods, the research examines how red expresses emotional intensity, physiological reactions, evaluative meanings, and cultural symbolism. The findings show that in English, red is commonly associated with danger, warning, anger, revolution, and financial loss, reflecting its role in signaling and emotional emphasis. In contrast, in Uzbek linguistic culture, red more often symbolizes beauty, honor, celebration, vitality, and moral values. Despite these differences, both languages share universal cognitive and biological foundations, linking red to human perception, blood, life, and expressive force. The study highlights the close relationship between language, cognition, and culture, emphasizing the role of color terminology in encoding cultural norms and symbolic meanings.