Egyptian Arabic Idiom #2: Acting As If He Is From Banha

Today we are sharing another Egyptian Arabic idiom.

We will be following the same format at Egyptian Arabic idiom #1.

Let’s get started.

Egyptian Arabic Idiom #2: Acting As If He Is From Banha

Closest equivalent in English: “to play dumb / stupid”

Franco transliteration: 3amel feha mn Banha.

.عامل فيها من بنها

The Story Behind The Idiom

There are many stories about the origin of this proverb.

The most common version is the Northern Delta (Wajh al-Bahri) train.

In the old days, there was a specific train line heading north from Cairo. While this line went through many Egyptian cities, the first stop was always Banha (the capital city of Qaliubya Governorate) which is not far away from Cairo.

The passengers heading to Banha would usually ask people already sitting on the train to give up their seat. That’s because the trip there only took a few minutes, after which the people going to Banha would leave the train and the others would take back their seats.

Anyway, people heading to more northern cities eventually caught on, and soon started claiming that they too were heading to Banha….just to get a seat!

How To Use The Idiom

The modern usage of that idiom has shifted towards the meaning “They are acting like they are not from here / don’t understand what is happening” while someone is talking to them about it.

Egyptians also use the idiom when somebody is trying to cut in line or taking something that they aren’t supposed to take (although not as serious as stealing).

Example:

A group of friends is sitting together at an Egyptian ahwa.

The first friend needs a ride to the airport (here’s how to navigate an airport in Egyptian Arabic, by the way).

One of them has an excuse, the other simply remains silent.

A: So guys, who is available to drive me to the airport this Friday? : ya shabeb, meen hweslnee elmatar yom el gom3a?

يا شباب، مين هيوصلني المطار يوم الجمعة؟

B: I don’t have my car, its getting repaired. : ana mish ma3aya 3rabiti, bittsulee.

.انا مش معايا عربيتي، بتتصلح

A: (Looks at C who didn’t respond)

B: He is acting like he is from Banha. : da 3amel feha mn Banha.

.ده عامل فيها من بنها

Egyptian Arabic Idiom #2: Cultural Insight

It is quite often to use this idiom in situations related to money. For example, when a group has to split the price for something but has that friend that’s always “acting like they are from Banha” just to avoid paying.

Don’t be that guy. And if you do have that friend…here’s how to insult your friends for their cheapness in Egyptian Arabic!

…

Happy learning,

Cleo Lingo