Arabic glossary:
Arabic words in phonetic English, and their meanings are quite subjective. The words used in the book are based on my interpretation and in context of the story.
Ahlen/Ahle: Welcome
Allah: God
Allah yir hammoo: God bless his/her soul (said commonly when saying someone’s name who has passed)
Arak: The traditional alcoholic beverage in Lebanon and parts of the Middle East. It is clear and unsweetened anise flavoured.
Benet: Daughter of
Bogia: Not an Arabic word, but we made it one anyhow. Was often used by Lebanese families when describing a person or style that is considered an enemy or destructive to a way of life. Perhaps it derived from the English word Bogie meaning 'evil spirit'?
Esme Salib: Name of the Cross. A religious reference. Generally used when describing something too nice or too beautiful but can also be used as an expression of surprise or fear, as it is asking for God's blessing or help.
Habibte/Habibi/Habibe: My Love; Beloved.
Harom: To pity or feel empathetic towards someone.
Hawa: Air/breeze
Hejez: Military Checkpoint
Holu: Come in or come around. Inviting someone into your home.
Jered: Farming area
Jido: Grandfather.
Khorle: Uncle. Specifically mother’s brother
Kific/Kifek: How are you? And is as commonly said as Hello.
Libnan: Lebanon
Maret khorle: Aunty. Specifically, wife of my mother’s brother.
Maret umma: Aunty. In this book, how one addresses Mother-in-law, with respect.
Quesek: Cheers. Said often when saluting Arak.
Sadik: Friend
Shabeb: Young men and women
Shou: What? What’s going on?
Shub: Young man
Smallah: Often used in praise of something nice or giving a compliment for an accomplishment. It can also mean lack of spite, and used in a sarcastic context, which is how it was used in this book.
Tfadle: Welcome. Said to welcome someone into the home, or to invite them to eat.
Tayta: Grandmother.
Ya Helwe: Oh, beautiful.
Yalla: Come on; let's go; hurry up. It is also said for no reason at all!
Walla hemik: Don’t let it bother you
Wayni: Where is?
Food:
Manoosh: Lebanese pizza’s traditionally topped with orgeno mixture and olive oil.
Sumboosik: Very delicious finger food, made from traditional Lebanese dough stuffed with a mix of meat and pine nuts and spices. It is usually made in large quantities for festive occasions, by several ladies working around a a large table. The process and social aspect can be in itself, a festive occasion!
Falafel/Tabouli: Anyone who knows Lebanese food requires no explanation!
Allah: God
Allah yir hammoo: God bless his/her soul (said commonly when saying someone’s name who has passed)
Arak: The traditional alcoholic beverage in Lebanon and parts of the Middle East. It is clear and unsweetened anise flavoured.
Benet: Daughter of
Bogia: Not an Arabic word, but we made it one anyhow. Was often used by Lebanese families when describing a person or style that is considered an enemy or destructive to a way of life. Perhaps it derived from the English word Bogie meaning 'evil spirit'?
Esme Salib: Name of the Cross. A religious reference. Generally used when describing something too nice or too beautiful but can also be used as an expression of surprise or fear, as it is asking for God's blessing or help.
Habibte/Habibi/Habibe: My Love; Beloved.
Harom: To pity or feel empathetic towards someone.
Hawa: Air/breeze
Hejez: Military Checkpoint
Holu: Come in or come around. Inviting someone into your home.
Jered: Farming area
Jido: Grandfather.
Khorle: Uncle. Specifically mother’s brother
Kific/Kifek: How are you? And is as commonly said as Hello.
Libnan: Lebanon
Maret khorle: Aunty. Specifically, wife of my mother’s brother.
Maret umma: Aunty. In this book, how one addresses Mother-in-law, with respect.
Quesek: Cheers. Said often when saluting Arak.
Sadik: Friend
Shabeb: Young men and women
Shou: What? What’s going on?
Shub: Young man
Smallah: Often used in praise of something nice or giving a compliment for an accomplishment. It can also mean lack of spite, and used in a sarcastic context, which is how it was used in this book.
Tfadle: Welcome. Said to welcome someone into the home, or to invite them to eat.
Tayta: Grandmother.
Ya Helwe: Oh, beautiful.
Yalla: Come on; let's go; hurry up. It is also said for no reason at all!
Walla hemik: Don’t let it bother you
Wayni: Where is?
Food:
Manoosh: Lebanese pizza’s traditionally topped with orgeno mixture and olive oil.
Sumboosik: Very delicious finger food, made from traditional Lebanese dough stuffed with a mix of meat and pine nuts and spices. It is usually made in large quantities for festive occasions, by several ladies working around a a large table. The process and social aspect can be in itself, a festive occasion!
Falafel/Tabouli: Anyone who knows Lebanese food requires no explanation!