Middle East Slang Dictionary

You are welcome; excuse me. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Taxi fare; also often used to mean a shared taxi or minibus

Food; eating (general term, but widely used informally)

Elegant; smart in appearance. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Yes; certainly. Functions as agreement, acknowledgment, or confirmation in fast back-and-forth chat. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Crisis; difficulty; dilemma. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Watch out; beware (North African). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Dull; slow-witted; ignorant. Used as informal criticism or teasing; strength depends on relationship and delivery. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Calamity; misfortune; trouble (often for a difficult person or situation)

I messed it up; I screwed it up (Levantine). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Local; traditional; refers to neighborhoods or items that are truly local and non-Western

To block someone online (from the English "block")

To cause trouble; to annoy (Gulf Arabic). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Money (specifically dirhams, but used generally in UAE/Gulf)

To study (standard, but central to academic life). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Dizzy; lightheaded (can imply being slightly drunk). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Enemy (Persian loanword, used in some Arabic dialects)

To be free from studies/exams; to finish (informal)

Empty; free (e.g., "I am free/available"). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Small change (money); to break a large bill. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, a common street food

Artist (male/female) or singer (standard term, widely used in pop culture discussions)

A very fashionable person (from English). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Chaos; disorder; mess. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans

Money (very common in Egyptian, Moroccan, and other dialects)

To follow someone on social media (from the English "follow")

Money (another common variant, often used across dialects)

Stupid; foolish. Used as informal criticism or teasing; strength depends on relationship and delivery. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Intense love; passion (more profound than just liking)

To cut someone off in traffic; aggressive driving. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Naive; inexperienced; foolish (often Gulf). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Flirting; sweet talk; charming talk. Usually warm or playful; read the relationship before assuming sincerity. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Love of my heart; a term of profound endearment. Usually warm or playful; read the relationship before assuming sincerity. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

My darling; my love (masculine). Used for friends, family, or partners

My love; darling (masculine/feminine - widely used for romantic partners, friends, family)

My darling; my love (feminine). Usually warm or playful; read the relationship before assuming sincerity. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Praise be to God; Thank God. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

A small neighborhood, quarter, or alleyway (often implies an old or local area)

Someone who travels illegally by sea (smuggler or migrant, North African/Levantine)

Donkey; used to call someone stupid or ignorant (very common)

A hit song or popular media (direct loanword). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

My life; darling (a strong expression of value for a partner)

Exam; test (standard, but commonly used). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

God willing; hopefully. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Deep, passionate love; adoration. Usually warm or playful; read the relationship before assuming sincerity. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Body; physique (used when discussing fitness and build)

Dog; used as a severe insult (implies low status or bad character)

Also; again; more. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Stylish; dressed up elegantly (common in Gulf Arabic)

Cute; adorable (literally "chick," typically for a child or young person)

Enough; finished; stop. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Tent (Can be used humorously to describe a very basic or temporary dwelling)

How are you? (masculine). Used to open or close casual exchanges; familiarity between speakers matters. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

How are you? (feminine). Used to open or close casual exchanges; familiarity between speakers matters. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

No. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Clothing; attire (general term, but can be used informally)

A "like" on a social media post (from the English "like")

Heavily intoxicated; "knocked out" from drinking. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Food place; restaurant (informal). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

A social gathering or sitting (often used for informal music or poetry sessions)

City center; downtown (the commercial or administrative heart of a city)

Good evening. Used to open or close casual exchanges; familiarity between speakers matters. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Money (common in Levantine Arabic - Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine)

God has willed it; expresses appreciation or admiration

A trip; a journey; an errand (short or medium distance)

Drunk; "gone" (informal, especially in Egyptian Arabic). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Good-looking; attractive (literally "adjusted" or "in order," used for people)

Feeling good, handsome, or looking great. Often used approvingly among peers; can sound exaggerated or ironic online. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

No problem. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

A "like" on social media (the more formal Arabic term)

Brain; mind. Can be used for intelligence (e.g., "mafi mokh" - no brain/stupid)

Feeling happy or in a good mood. Often used approvingly among peers; can sound exaggerated or ironic online. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Stressed, depressed, or suffocated by worry (literally "choked")

A competition or match. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

I dont understand (masculine, Egyptian). Functions as agreement, acknowledgment, or confirmation in fast back-and-forth chat. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

I dont understand (feminine, Egyptian). Functions as agreement, acknowledgment, or confirmation in fast back-and-forth chat. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Problem; issue (standard, but very common in slang contexts)

A training camp or intensive sports session. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Club; gym; fitness center (standard, but central to the fitness scene)

To pass (an exam or course). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Money (more formal, but understood and sometimes used informally)

Cooling of my eyes; a term indicating the person is a source of joy and comfort

To fail (an exam or course). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

On-again, off-again relationship (literally "going and coming"). Often used approvingly among peers; can sound exaggerated or ironic online. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Sport; exercise; physical activity. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

My soul; deeply affectionate term used for one's closest loved one

Good morning (response, literally "morning of jasmine"). Used to open or close casual exchanges; familiarity between speakers matters. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Headache (often used informally for a source of stress or trouble)

Travel; journey (long distance). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Idiot; foolish; reckless person. Used as informal criticism or teasing; strength depends on relationship and delivery. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Right? (seeking confirmation, informal, Levantine). Functions as agreement, acknowledgment, or confirmation in fast back-and-forth chat. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Boyfriend/girlfriend (informal, "companion" or "friend"). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Two healths (said before/after a meal, similar to "bon appétit")

Drunk; intoxicated (standard and widely used across dialects)

Peace be upon you (a common greeting). Used to open or close casual exchanges; familiarity between speakers matters. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

A sandwich (widely used loanword, common for fast food/takeaway)

Car (standard, but widely used informally). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Youth; guys; young people (plural of shab). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

To network; to connect with people online (from the word for "net")

Hard work; toil (often referring to effort in studies)

A derogatory term for a promiscuous woman; slut (offensive)

A popular Middle Eastern dish of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served in a wrap or plate

Chic; stylish or elegant (from French "chic"). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Apartment; flat. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Thank you. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Slowly; little by little. Often used approvingly among peers; can sound exaggerated or ironic online. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Tired; exhausted (often Egyptian). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

A salad made from finely chopped parsley, with tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and sweet pepper

Cooked food; home cooking (implies a proper meal, not necessarily takeaway)

Musical ecstasy or enchantment; a state of joy induced by music

Cool; awesome (Gulf slang). Often used approvingly among peers; can sound exaggerated or ironic online. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Completely drunk; wasted (common in some Gulf/Levantine dialects)

Tired; exhausted; unwell or sick. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

And upon you be peace (response to greeting). Used to open or close casual exchanges; familiarity between speakers matters. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Boy; guy (Egyptian slang). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Dog-face; very offensive, implies ugliness and bad character

By God; I swear to God (used for emphasis or swearing)

Wow; expressing amazement or admiration for a performance or celebrity (loanword)

Dirty; mess (often for people or behaviour). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Oh my brother (addressing a male friend). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Oh my sister (addressing a female friend). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Meaning; like; so; it means. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Lets go; come on; hurry up. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Maybe; perhaps. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Great; excellent (literally "like jasmine," Egyptian). Often used approvingly among peers; can sound exaggerated or ironic online. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Rubbish; terrible; disgusting (literally "tar"). Often used approvingly among peers; can sound exaggerated or ironic online. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts