36 Common Lebanese Slang Expressions That Don’t Quite Translate

There are so many Lebanese expressions or phrases that don’t quite translate into other languages. Here are a few of the most interesting and hilarious ones that are impossible to translate. 1. Jawmasset Literal Translation: I became a Bubalus Meaning : I am being too stubborn. 2. Rehna slata Literal Translation: We went salad. Meaning : We’re seriously screwed. 3. Shou fi mafi Literal Translation: What’s going on and not going on. Meaning : What’s up. 4. Akhad maw2af Literal Translation: He took a position. Meaning : he’s upset at someone and giving them the silent treatment. 5. Ensa el bansa w 3ish b Fransa Literal Translation: Forget the pliers and live in France. Meaning : Forget about it and live your life. 6. Khaye el asle Literal Translation: My authentic brother. Meaning : My best friend. 7. Bsheel Literal Translation: I pick up. Meaning : Count me in. 8. Akkal aal t2il Literal Translation: He ate heavily Meaning : He got himself in trouble. 9. Bye2ta3 Literal Translation: He cuts Meaning : He’s all right. 10. Melyen/ melyene Literal Translation: He’s full Meaning : He/she is overweight. 11. Khosh bosh Literal Translation: …. Meaning : We’re buddies. 12. Bi sharafak Literal Translation: I swear your pride. Meaning : Please. 13. Mukheef Literal Translation: Scary Meaning : Awesome. 14. Salbe Literal Translation: Negative Meaning : Cool. 15. 3a rase Literal Translation: On my head Meaning : I would do anything for you. 16. Sakkarto Literal Translation: To close Meaning : I nailed it. 17. Wozze/ wozziye Literal Translation: The origin of this expression is unknown Meaning : Vulgar. 18. Aayesh bel khase Literal Translation: Living in a head of lettuce Meaning : You have no idea what’s going on. 19. 3ayoush/3ayash Literal Translation: Lively Meaning : Someone who takes something too far. 20. Fakhar ykassir ba3do Literal Translation: Let the pottery break itself Meaning : Let them deal with their own chaos. 21. Gallops Literal Translation: Stroll/run Meaning : Go away. 22. Kil hadis elo hadees Literal Translation: Every accident has a conversation Meaning : We should solve one problem at a time. 23. Ta3a kel yom Literal Translation: Come every day Meaning : My pleasure. 24. Felij la t3alij Literal Translation: Paralyze to cure Meaning : A hopeless case. 25. 7amil el seloum bel 3ared Literal Translation: carrying the ladder horizontally Meaning : Complicating things. 26. Aam yto2 hanak Literal Translation: He is cracking jaws Meaning : We’re having some fun. 27. Ma ta3te wej Literal Translation: Don’t give him face Meaning : Don’t give him your full attention. 28. Kaj Literal Translation: The origin of this expression is unknown Meaning : To kiss someone with passion. 29. Ne3me/Ne3im Literal Translation : Soft Meaning : Cute, adorable. 30. Tooborne Literal Translation: May you bury me Meaning : I just love you so much. 31. Meshe Literal Translation: I am walking Meaning : Agreed. 32. Tcharrafna Literal Translation: We’re full of pride Meaning : Pleased to meet you. 33. Astaze Literal Translation: Mastering Meaning : Mind blowing. 34. Atel Literal Translation: Death Meaning : Overwhelmingly impressive. 35. Metet Literal Translation: I died Meaning : I laughed so hard. 36. Baze2 w laze2 Literal Translation : Spit and Paste Meaning : Get things done anyway. 1