The richness of the Spanish language is adorned with phrases that often hold intriguing historical tales. One such expression, still widely used today, hails from the 19th century. "Se salvó por los pelos," or "a close shave," is utilized to describe someone narrowly escaping a dangerous situation, thanks to luck, skill, quick thinking, or the rapid action of a rescuer.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to 1809, during the reign of Joseph Bonaparte in Spain (1808 - 1813), the elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte infamously known as "Pepe Botella." Among various reforms and laws he enacted, one directly impacted sailors: he mandated that they cut their hair.
In the 19th century, a sailor's long hair was not merely a fashion statement; it was an essential tool for survival at sea. Should a sailor fall overboard and lose consciousness, their floating hair made it easier to spot them from the ship, allowing rescuers to grab and hoist them to safety. As Colombian journalist Néstor Armando Alzate notes in his commentary, long hair was often the thin line between life and death in this perilous profession.
The Pushback Against "Pepe's" Policy
Sailors fervently protested, arguing that Pepe's decree endangered their lives. With mounting social pressure and compelling arguments, Joseph Bonaparte eventually repealed the law. Thus, this expression was born, now prevalent across Spanish-speaking countries. Have you ever had a "close shave" in your own life?