We have a rhyming proverb: "Different strokes for different folks", with the same metaphoric meaning.Originally Posted by Basil77
In theory, this English proverb is not sexual at all -- it means the same as chacun à son goût, or на вкус и на цвет, товарищей нет -- and an English speaker could say this in front of his or her grandmother, for example.
Note that "stroke" normally means гладить -- as in гладить против шерсти, "to stroke (a dog's) fur the wrong way." But in this proverb, "stroke" is old jazz-slang for "drum rhythm". Thus, the literal meaning is "Not everyone enjoys the same musical tempo".
HOWEVER, "stroke" can be understood as a sexual double-entendre IF one says it in a leering, "wink-wink" tone of voice, OR if the context of the discussion is already about sexual habits.
Thus, if someone says: "Why do Russians like vodka so much? I love whiskey, but vodka makes me puke!"
Then one may answer: "Different strokes for different folks," without fear of a sexual interpretation.
But if someone says: "I think it's disgusting that there is so much sex and nakedness on television!"
And you answer: "Different strokes for different folks," then it will sound as if you're making a rude joke about masturbation, à la "Каждый др..., и т.д.", because the conversation is already related to sexual matters.
In short, use this proverb freely -- but be aware that in certain contexts, a double-entendre is possible. (When in doubt, just say "to each his own.")