Literal translation
To mark well, to mark badly
Meaning
to look good or bad, cut a fine or poor figure
Explanation
This expression judges the visual effect or impression made by something or by a behaviour within a given context, independently of its intrinsic worth. The verb marca (to mark, to indicate) takes on the figurative sense of making an impression, good (bèn) or bad (mau) depending on circumstances: an attitude seen as respectful in a fitting setting marks well, the same attitude out of place elsewhere marks badly. The usual examples, an outfit, a building set against a landscape, a symbol displayed in a particular spot, show that the judgment is always relative to a social or aesthetic context, never absolute. It is used, often with a smile, to comment on the fittingness or awkwardness of a choice, an appearance or a gesture. The register is common and familiar, frequently used in everyday conversation to size up the effect of something quickly, without going into a longer justification.