How to Insult Your Friends in Egyptian Arabic, Part 1 : Laziness

Introduction

Cleo Lingo is doing a series on insults.

We figured you’ve learned enough useful stuff; time to get to the things that will actually make your friends cry.

This stuff is only used for friends. Just something to keep in mind.

It doesn’t work for formal settings, families of your friends, older people, strangers and bosses (although, ironically enough, Egyptian bosses tend to be quite lazy).

Enjoy!

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Vocabulary

“Kaslan” : كسلان

Starting with the straight-forward description of a person/friend who is unwilling to work or use energy. This is not an insult, but rather the exact translation of the word “Lazy.”

“Mesh ader” : مش قادر

This term comes in handy in so many situations.

It means “I am not able to / I don’t have the energy to / I can’t take it anymore.” This is probably relevant when your lazy friend has an excuse not to join your hike or your ahwa chilling time. Bust out “mesh ader,” and it basically means “I can’t.” No further explanation needed.

You might also catch Egyptians saying that after a huge meal.

https://cleolingo.com/how-to-order-at-a-restaurant-like-you-havent-eaten-for-days/

This is especially useful during the eating fests of Ramadan “fast-breaking.”

“fakis” : فاكس

This means something like “Just drop it” or “Forget about it.”

“No” also works, but “no” in the sense of not being excited about doing/eating something.

“Teezak teeala” : طيزك تقيلة

This literally means “Your ass is heavy.” Yes, we brought out the big guns.

Cleo Lingo thinks this is pretty self-explanatory.

If your ass is heavy, you’re probably not going anywhere fast.

“Hezaha shwaya” : هزها شوية

This most closely means “Shake it a little bit” or “Move it a bit.”

Guess what: also referring to the ass, without actually saying the word “Ass.”

Egyptians are shifty like that.

“Ekhlas ya AW’lea”:   اخلص يا علق

Cleo Lingo’s favorite.

“Hurry up you B@**($”.

We are not hiding the word because it’s too rude. This word simply has no direct translation.

However, this is always preserved as a very offensive word. It means something like “sluggish” or “listless.”

“borotta” : برطة

Another less offensive meaning of someone who doesn’t want to move or make plans.

Less offensive….but still offensive.

Conclusion

Everybody loves insults, and done in the correct setting, they can really bump up your Arabic game.

Your Egyptian friends will love you, trust us.

Just don’t say it to your boss!

Good luck letting your friends know just how lazy they are. 🙂

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Happy learning,

Cleo Lingo