Lux vs. Low: MakeupJul.19.2020
Are you a foreigner visiting or living in the Middle East and just can’t keep up with all the Arab slang? Don’t worry, we at The Modern East have got you all covered for all you need to know in the Arab slang dictionary. You don’t even have to learn full Arabic sentences to keep your terminology intact – if you know these Arabic words, you’re all set to go. Read more to find out what you need to know.
Akeed is commonly used to mean “sure”, or “yes of course”. Normally used at the end of a sentence or as an answer, the word has a bright connotation that will make the conversation seem more friendly and easy-going. Although, sometimes it is also used in a sarcastic tone to say “obviously” or “duh!”.
Yalla directly translates to “hurry up” or “let’s go” and is usually used to rush someone – but it is definitely one of the Arabic phrases you’ll hear the most often. People will use the word “yallah” for everything, from getting stuck in car traffic and having road rage to saying they have to leave and even to getting someone on the dancefloor! You’ll definitely fit in with this term.
“You won’t believe what happened to me, wallah even if I told you, you wouldn’t believe it wallah!” – If you’ve lived in the Middle East for some time, you’ve definitely already caught on to the word “wallah”. The word directly translates to “I swear to God,” but like “Yallah” it is used to often that it, in a way, gets detached from its meaning. Other ways that “Wallah” is used are if you don’t believe a story, you would say “say wallah!,” and even sarcastically – like “Wallah?”
Probably one of the most well-known Arabic words because of how commonly it is used, the word “inshallah” means “God willing”, but most people will use it in the context of meaning “maybe” or “I’m not sure, it’s out of my hands”. Use this word when either you really don’t know the answer to something, or when you want to get out of answering right away!
5alas – pronounced Khalas, or Kha-laas, means “to finish”, but has the connotations of meaning “stop it”, “don’t try again”, “it’s over”, or “stop talking”. It’s the perfect word to use when you just want someone to – well, just shut up!
