Bil Shami
Funny & Weird Damascene Words Only People from Damascus Understand
The Damascene dialect is full of funny and unique expressions and words that make it special. Some of these words sound strange if you’re not from Syria, but for people in Damascus, they’re part of everyday conversations. Here are some popular Damascene expressions and what they mean:
Funny & Weird Damascene Words
Ekhtof Rejlak
Means: Come quickly.
Example: “Ekhtof rejlak and come here, I need to tell you something.”
Fazz Asabi
Means: He annoyed or irritated me.
Example: “ fazz asabi when he said that.”
Aynak Kent Aynak
Means: You said something that upset me directly.
Aam Yekhfeq w Yesfeq
Means: Someone keeps going back and forth to the same place.
Yehla wabrk
A sarcastic negative phrase said about someone.
Aadmo Tari
Means: Someone is still young and inexperienced.
Example: “Don’t pressure him too much, Aadmo teri.”
Shu Jab La Jab
Used when comparing two very different things or people.
Eh Dhak B ‘abbak
Means: Be thankful or consider yourself lucky.
Example: “Eh Eh Dhak B ‘abbak, they didn’t stop you at the checkpoint.”
Asaret Mekhi
Means: I tried really hard to remember something.
Hashak w Labek
Used to describe heavy fighting with hitting and kicking.
Latilak
Means: Someone hates you and is waiting for revenge.
Nos Nses
Used to make fun of someone or make them feel small.
Example: “Who do you think you are? You nos nses.”
La Bihesh Wla Binesh
Means: Someone with no opinion or influence.
Elly Bali Balak
A secret way to talk about someone without saying their name.
Kenne Kennak
Means: I’m just like you.
Elmi Elmak
Means: I know as much as you do.
Sedd Hal’ak / Sedd Bozak
Different ways to say: “Shut up.”
Debsatna Mra’a
Said when someone is struggling financially, usually while bargaining.
Ma Wataaki
Means: The place, food, or vibe didn’t suit you.
Shu Ada Ma Bada
Means: Things changed suddenly between people.
Ayno Naqra
Said about someone who looks sick or a woman who may be pregnant.
Aam Yeqtosh w Yshlah
Means: Talking randomly without making sense.
Aam Ytoteh Bi Ideh
Said about someone coming empty-handed.
Sanjaa Ared
Said about someone who always gets in your way.
So… how many of these Damascene words did you already know?
