30+ Old Words Only a True Damascene Would Understand!

There are old Damascene words that you won’t hear anywhere else in the world. Some you probably use every day without noticing, others you haven’t heard since childhood. If these bring back memories, then welcome… you’re officially part of the Sham family.

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مْعكا (M‘aka)

To mix something really well with your hands, like kneading dough.

لطعو (Lata‘o)

To make someone wait for a long time and never show up.
“He left me waiting for an hour!”

اتدحوش (Itdahwash)

To squeeze yourself somewhere or try to get close to someone who doesn’t really want it.

بلّط (Ballat)

To sit in one place for too long… with zero intention of leaving.

التبش (Iltabash)

When you get overwhelmed or confused and don’t know what to do next.

انطوش (Intawash)

When the noise gets too loud, and your head starts spinning.

طلع من عيونو عامص (Tele‘ min ‘youno ‘aames)

He was super happy, then something ruined it completely.

زحل عئلو (Zahal ‘a‘lo)

To get so excited or shocked that you feel your mind just jumped out of your head.

بلكي / بركي / بركدن (Balki / Barki / Barkdan)

All mean: “maybe,” “possibly.”

طأطئت زلعيمو (Ta’ta’t Zle‘eimo)

Extreme thirst — like really, really thirsty.

مسرسب (Msarsab)

Someone extremely clean and organized.

كحته (Kehte)

A person who’s very, very cheap.

مدربس (Mdarbas)

Short and chubby.

تكة (Takke)

Just a tiny moment. “Wait a sec.”

مخستك (Mkhastak)

Used when someone feels extremely tired or sick.

مرستأ (Mrasta’)

Neat, tidy, and looking sharp.

على ملا وشو (‘Ala Mala Wishu)

To leave or run super fast.

عم يوج وَج (‘Am Ywejj Wajj)

Sparkling clean — shining like glass.

خوش بوش (Khosh Bosh)

An old bond — you and this person go way back.

شأفة (Sha’feh)

A tiny piece of something — bread, cake, fabric.

مأنبز (M’anbaz)

Arrogant or full of himself.

فتل راسو (Fatal Rasu)

Dizzy or confused — literally “his head spun.”

انطمز (Intamaz)

Annoyed but staying quiet about it.

تكمكر (Tkamkar)

To wrap yourself in a blanket because of the cold.

مسح فيه الأرض (Masah Fih el-Ard)

To completely humiliate someone — verbally or otherwise.

لعالو قلبو (La‘alo Albou)

Talked endlessly until everyone got tired.

ملبصن لبصنة (Mlabsan Labsaneh)

Food with the wrong texture — mushy, not good.

فصعون (Fas‘oun)

Description for a little kid.

بارم وشو (Barim Wishu)

Sulking, upset face… not in the mood for anyone.

طاقه فيوزاتو (Taqa Fyozato)

Lost control — acting in a way that doesn’t match his age.

نكت الخمير والفطير (Nakat el-Khameer w el-Fteer)

Spilled all the secrets he was hiding.

بق البحصة (Ba’ el-Bahsa)

Finally said something he had been holding inside for a long time.

آل يعني (Aal… ya‘ni)

Used sarcastically — like “Oh really?”

هيك! مراء عصبي (Hek! Mara’ ‘Asabi)

Used to end an argument abruptly.

عيّ (‘Ay)

Meaningless gossip and unnecessary talk.

شيه! (Sheh!)

Expression of disbelief or surprise.

ما بزلّ عليك (Ma Bzell ‘Alek)

“I’m sure about what I’m saying, but I’m not swearing.”

نخر بدنو (Nakhar Badano)

Someone annoyed another person nonstop until they lost patience.

If you laughed, remembered these words, or understood them instantly…
Congrats — you’re a true Damascene!

 If you enjoyed this article about old Damascene words, make sure to visit the #Bil Shami section on our website to see more!