A conventional wisdom is a term used to describe ideas or explanantions that are generally accepted as true by the public or experts in a field. A conventional wisdom is not necessarily true. They are often ideas that are appealing, convenient and deeply assumed by the public.
e.g Conventional wisdom prior to Christopher Colombus held that the world was flat.
During my time in Milan I have encountered a number of these. Each and every new one prompts confusion and later on giggles and then more confusion. Here are just a few:
No.1.
The largely held belief that not zipping up your jacket when outside after having eaten a heavy meal will result in stomach pain. This stomach pain is known as 'Congestione'. Apparently, the cold air on your stomach 'freezes' the digestion process and the chewed up food in your belly begins a waiting game. It waits patiently for you to regain a warmer temperature. The belly expresses its displeasure by giving you cramps.
Italian A: O dio! Sto male.
(Oh lordy! I feel awful)
Italian B: Mah, che e' successo?
(What's up?)
Italian A: Non lo so.. forse mi sta venendo la congestione. Non avevo la giacca quando fumavo dopo la cena. Mamma mia che male!
(I'm not sure.. maybe I'm getting that after- dinner, cold air on your stomach digestion pain. I didn't have my coat on whilst I was smoking that cig after dinner. Oh brother, It's really bad!)
Italian B: Essi, certo. La congestione. (Er, yeah.)
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