16 Curse Words in Arabic and How to use Them
As language instructors, we don’t promote the use of offensive language. However, it’s important to recognize that curse words are a part of every language, and it’s essential to understand them. That is why, today, we’re going to explore the world of curse words in Arabic.
Swear words allow people to express emotions (often in a humorous way), but they can also be used to express anger, and frustration, and insult those who have harmed us!
As a result, it’s important to know which words are considered offensive in Arabic and which ones are acceptable.
Let’s take a look.
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Polite Curse Words in Arabic
In Arabic, some curse words are considered “polite” or, at least, less offensive than others. These words are used in situations where expressing frustration or annoyance is necessary but insulting someone is not the goal.
One of the most common polite curse words in Arabic is “Yalla,” which means “Let’s go!” or “Hurry up!” It’s a versatile word that can be used in many situations, from urging someone to hurry up to expressing frustration at a long wait.
Another polite curse word in Arabic is “Akh,” which means “Brother.” It’s used as an exclamation of frustration, similar to saying “Oh, man!” in English.
Do you want to delve deeper into the world of polite curse words in Arabic?
Here is the full list:
1. Yalla
Translation:
‘Let’s go’ or ‘Hurry up!’
Usage:
Use this expression to express frustration at slow people!
2. Akh
Translation:
‘Brother’ or ‘Oh, man!’
Usage:
Use this expression to show you’re negatively surprised at something or someone!
3. Soumak
Translation:
‘Relax!’ or ‘Take it easy!’
Usage:
Is your friend being a bit over the top? Use this expression to tell them to calm down!
4. Al’ama ( العمى)
Translation:
‘Damn!’
Usage:
Al’ama literally translates to “blindness” in English, but Arabs use it as an equivalent for “Damn!” whenever something goes wrong.
5. Hayawan ( حيوان )
Translation:
‘Brute’
Usage:
Calling someone a hayawan in Arabic is like calling them an animal or a brute in English. It’s offensive, of course, but not openly rude.
6. Ahbil ( اهبل )
Translation:
‘Stupid’
Usage:
Curse words in Arabic tend to use metaphors and euphemisms. But not always! Calling someone Ahbi is like calling them stupid in English. It’s direct and it’s rude, but not a bad word in the sense the F-word is a bad word in English!
7. Qalil al’adab ( قليل الأدب )
Translation:
‘Of little literature’.
Usage:
Curse words in Arabic rarely get more elegant than this one. As you can imagine, Arabs use it to tell someone they lack manners, instruction, or proper behavior!
Image by Liza Summer, via Pexels
Strong curse words in Arabic
Now, let’s move on to some of the stronger curse words in Arabic. These words are considered offensive and should only be used in very specific situations, like when someone eats the last falafel or kebab in the fridge.
One of the most offensive curse words in Arabic is “Kalb,” which means “Dog.” It’s a derogatory term used to insult someone’s character or intelligence. It’s not a word you want to use lightly, as it’s considered a serious insult in Arabic culture.
Another strong curse word in Arabic is “Kus ummak,” which means “Your mother’s… reproductive organs“ It’s a vulgar insult used to attack someone’s family and is considered extremely offensive in Arabic culture.
Not enough for you? All right. Here’s a full list of the strongest curse words in Arabic:
8. Kalb ( كلب )
Translation:
Dog
Usage:
Used to insult someone’s character or intelligence. This word is considered a serious insult in Arabic culture.
9. Kus ummak ( كس امك )
Translation:
Your mother’s…
Usage:
A vulgar expression used to insult someone’s family, which is considered extremely offensive in most Arab countries.
10. Kol Khara ( كل خرة)
Translation:
Literally: Eat sh*t.
Usage:
This is the phrase you would use if someone keeps talking about silly or boring things. It’s like “Shut up”, but stronger.
11. Ayreh Feek ( عيرة فيك)
Translation:
F*** you.
Usage:
Are you looking for strong curse words in Arabic? Look no further. Ayreh feek is the Arabic equivalent of the English F word, so it’s the last thing you may hear before a terrible fight breaks out in places like Qatar or Dubai.
12. Yakhsaf allah bih al’ard (يخسف الله به الأر )
Translation:
May God Swallow the Earth beneath you.
Usage:
Curse words in Arabic can be polite, strong, or downright dramatic! Use this insult to express extreme anger, frustration, or hatred.
Image by Mohamed Abdelghaffar, via Pexels
Funny curse words in Arabic
Finally, let’s take a look at some of the funnier curse words in Arabic. These words are used to lighten the mood and make light of a frustrating situation.
One funny curse word in Arabic is “Shwaya,” which literally translates to “A little bit.” It’s used to express mild frustration or annoyance, similar to saying “Geez” or “Come on” in English.
Another funny curse word in Arabic is “Mafi mushkila,” which means “No problem.” It’s often used sarcastically to express frustration when there is, in fact, a problem. As you can imagine, it’s a very common expression when it comes to lovers’ quarrels!
Are you ready to delve into the rich world of Arabic insults? Here are the funniest curse words in Arabic with some tips on how to use them:
13. Shwaya (شويه)
Translation:
Literally: ‘A little bit’
Usage:
This catchphrase is used to express mild frustration or annoyance at a minor inconvenience. Have you dropped coffee on your shirt? A little bit! Have you gotten lost in the desert? A little bit! For some reason, we find this one incredibly funny!
14. Mafi mushkila
Translation:
‘No problem’.
Usage:
If you’ve ever asked your partner whether everything was fine and they said “Yes” while giving you the coldest look on Earth, you know why this is a funny curse word in Arabic. Use it sarcastically when someone’s causing you frustration and there really is a problem!
15. Ya Gazma ( يا جازما)
Translation:
‘Shoe’.
Usage:
If you want to degrade someone in a funny way, this is the curse word to use. It’s used to express disdain towards someone and implies that they are as low as their feet.
16. Ya Khara ( يا خارا)
Translation:
‘My piece of sh*t’.
Usage:
As funny as it is degrading, this curse word is used to express extreme contempt. Use it when you just can’t take it anymore and want to let someone know exactly how you feel about their behavior.
We hope this list of lists of curse words in Arabic has helped you get a better understanding of the language and its culture. From mild to strong and funny to serious, curse words in Arabic will help you express your deepest feelings or, at least, understand when someone is insulting you!
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