By now, we all know that Gen Z Arab girls are basically curating the internet’s funniest, sassiest, and most iconic lingo.
Whether it’s flying around TikTok or dropped casually in a group chat, these words hit differently. And honestly?
Even if you’re not Arab, you’ve probably heard at least one of these in the wild.
So whether you’re trying to keep up with your cool cousin, decode your Dubai bestie’s Insta captions, or just looking to boost your slang game, here’s your ultimate cheat sheet.
Let’s break it down, bint-style:
- Ana lowkey obsessed
Translation: I’m literally hooked but pretending I’m chill.
When to use: He texted me good morning. Ana lowkey obsessed
2. Shu
Translation: Huh? / What now
When to use: Equal parts confused, offended and ready to snap
3. Sho hal energy?
Translation: What kind of energy is this?
When to use: When someone pulls up with zero effort. In Crocs. At brunch.
4. Istaghferallah, but like… same
Translation: I know I shouldn’t but I totally relate.
When to use: When your bestie says she stalked her ex’s mum’s Facebook.
5. Ana not okay, but okay
Translation: Emotionally spiralling, but slaying anyway.
When to use: No sleep + heartbreak + no new Birkin.
6. Khalas, I’m deleting Instagram (but not really)
Translation: I need attention.
When to use: Literally at the end of each sentence.
7. Mish ma’oul!
Translation: Unbelievable!
When to use: When your bestie tells you she ran into her ex with his new girl at Knot.
8. Yaani
Translation: Like / I mean
When to use: Literally Every sentence. Every conversation. Every voice note ever.
9. Mafi Mushkil
Translation: No Problem
when to use: when you are dying inside but still wanna to be polite
10. Khalas
Translation: Enough / it’s over
when to use: Khalas, I’m done with him. (Until you text him next week.)
Bonus points if you use all 10 in a single day, Arab Girl Glossary = unlocked.
Want a part two? Slide into our DMs, habibti.
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