As Lebanese, we put our thoughts and feelings in phrases that help us keep the word count to a minimum.
It's an art of sorts, one that keeps on keeping on (unless we're confronted with a non-Arabic speaking person - because, boy, that's when things get messy).
Literal translations of common expressions simply do not work and often leave foreigners in a state of bewilderment from their head to their heels (mish fehmenin rason min ka3bon).
See what I mean?
Here are 19 expressions that you only wish translated well, but to your luck don't.
1. "Mekhed maw2af" = he took a parking spot
What it really means:
He is taking a stand against you (by giving you attitude; the silent treatment) for something you said 11 years ago.
2. "Roo7 balet el ba7er" = go tile the ocean
What it really means:
Your chances of getting the ocean tiled are higher than those of persuading me. Do yourself a favor and stop trying.
3. "Shu ne3meh" = you're so soft
What it really means:
You are so delicately pretty.
4. "Ensa el bansa" = forget the pliers
What it really means:
Forget it. It is NOT happening.
5. "Re7na slata" = we went salad
What it really means:
We're basically screwed and there's no going back.
6. "Kil hadis ilo hadees" = every accident has a conversation
What it really means:
Problems should be dealt with one at a time. Take a chill pill and breathe. Please.
7. "Ta3a kil youm" = come everyday
What it really means:
An over-dramatic "you're welcome."
8. "Ma ta3tee wej" = don't give him face
What it really means:
Don't give Person X your undivided attention ... because he/she will either take advantage of it OR he/she will fall for it and never leave you alone.
9. "Shu fee, ma fee" = what's going on, not going on
What it really means:
What's up?
10. "3omrak ma terja3" = for your entire age, don't come back
What it really means:
I hate you so much that I never want to see you again for as long as you live.
11. "La tizi" = to my butt
What it really means:
I couldn't care less.
12. "To2borny" = bury me
What it really means:
I love you so much that I would rather have you bury me than watch you die.
13. "3ala rase" = on my head
What it really means:
I would do anything for you - even if that means carrying things, you, luggage, animals ... over my head.
14. "Ma fe shi warana" = there's nothing behind us
What it really means:
We've got some time to spare, so let's get to it!
15. "Bayed tanajer" = you are making these pots white
What it really means:
You are a teacher's pet. Period. So, maybe stop sucking up?
16. "3ayesh bl khasse" = you are living in a lettuce
What it really means:
You are living on a different planet and have no idea what's going on.
17. "Roo7 men weji" = go from my face
What it really means:
I cannot look at your face, your eyes, your nose, your ear, hear your voice, see your shirt, smell your scent ... so please LEAVE.
18. "3am nto2 7anak" = we are cracking jaws
What it really means:
We're just messing around ... and we're laughing so hard that our jaws are breaking?
19. "Mat5aleehon yekloolek rasek" = don't let them eat your head
What it really means:
Don't let anyone ever take advantage of you.