Tsuri itsva inozvimbisa muromo.
A new whistle made of reeds makes the mouth swollen.
Tsanagudzo
Chinhu kana chichiri chitsva chinomhanyirirwa navanhu asi kana utsva hwapera hapana anenge achambochimhanyirira.
What the Words Say
A new whistle made of reeds makes the mouth swollen.
What It Means
People often rush for something currently in fashion but they give it up as soon as it is out of fashion.
Cultural Context
Whistling was a common aspect of Karanga culture which could be used at various times. It was used in herding livestock, in composing a song or entertaining others, in accompanying ululation, etc. Young boys would even have whistling competitions or compete to develop new tunes of new types of whistles. In those days most whistles were made out of a reeds and one would blow through some well placed holes. Once one made a new whistle, then one would whistle and whistle until their mouth was swollen. After that they would be bored with that particular whistle and once their mouth had recovered they would seek a new whistle. In this example, our elders learnt the lesson that fashionable things often have everyone rushing to them but once they lose their shine, the same people will simply move on to something new.
How It's Used
The proverb is used to comment on people who are quick to follow the new fashionable things and soon lose interest when something newer emerges. It can also be used to warn people to not just follow the new things.