Arabic Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms for Authentic Street-Level Arabic (2025)

Arabic is a rich tapestry of dialects and cultures, and slang is the vivid thread that weaves it all together. While Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is used for news and formal settings, everyday conversations—on the street, in cafes, on social media—often pulse with colloquial expressions that vary from one region to another. Whether you’re tuning in to Egyptian dramas, traveling around the Levant, or chatting with friends from the Gulf, learning slang words is your ticket to genuine, street-level communication. Below, you’ll find 100 essential Arabic slang terms to help you connect more authentically.

Why Learn Arabic Slang?

Go Beyond Textbook Arabic
Mastering grammar and vocabulary from a course or dictionary gives you a solid foundation, but real-world Arabic often features playful, rapidly evolving colloquialisms. Think of slang as the spice that brings daily speech to life.

Build Deeper Connections
Locals appreciate when non-native speakers use slang appropriately—it’s a sign you’re engaging with the culture on a personal level. Greeting someone with a casual “Ya man!” or “Eish al-akbar?” can break the ice better than a formal phrase.

Understand Pop Culture
Arabic music, social media, and TV shows frequently use slang to represent youth trends, comedic banter, and everyday drama. Familiarizing yourself with these phrases makes your media consumption far more enjoyable.

Interesting Fact: According to a 2019 survey by the Arab Youth Center, over 70% of youth in the Arab world prefer to use local dialect and slang in day-to-day interactions—especially on social media platforms.

Quick Tips for Using Arabic Slang

1. Identify the Dialect: Arabic slang differs drastically between regions (Egypt, Levant, Gulf, Maghreb). If possible, focus on the dialect relevant to your interests or travels.
2. Start Small: Integrate a few favorite phrases first. Overdoing slang might sound forced.
3. Context Is Everything: Some expressions are fine among peers but not suitable in formal or inter-generational settings.
4. Use Body Language: Tone, gestures, and context help convey meaning in Arabic. Don’t forget a friendly smile or gesture to show you’re open to learning.

Categories & Dialect Mix

Since the Arabic world spans numerous countries—Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, etc.—we’ll try to provide a blend of widely recognized slang words. Note that a phrase in Moroccan Darija might differ from Egyptian Arabic or Levantine Arabic. We’ll identify some by region where possible.

Greetings & Everyday Expressions (1–10)

1. Yalla (يلا)
   • Meaning: “Let’s go,” “come on,” used across the Arab world
   • Usage: “Yalla, we’re late!” or “Yalla, finish up.”
2. Marhaba (مرحبا)
   • Meaning: “Hello,” casual greeting found in the Levant
   • Usage: “Marhaba, kifak?” (“Hey, how are you?”)
3. Salam (سلام)
   • Meaning: Short for “assalamu alaykum,” meaning “peace,” very common casual “hi”
   • Usage: “Salam, sa7bi!” (“Hey, my friend!” in Maghrebi context, for instance)
4. Ahlan (أهلاً)
   • Meaning: “Welcome,” also used for “hello,” especially in Levant/Egypt
   • Usage: “Ahlan, nawart el makan!” (“Hey, you’ve brightened up the place!”)
5. Keefak/Keefik (كيفك)
   • Meaning: “How are you?” (m/f) in Levantine Arabic
   • Usage: “Keefik, ya Rania?” (“How are you, Rania?”)
6. Shlonak/Shlonich (شلونك)
   • Meaning: “How are you?” in Iraqi and Gulf dialect
   • Usage: “Shlonak, akhi?” (“How are you, brother?”)
7. Kwayyis (كويس) / Tamam (تمام)
   • Meaning: “Good,” “Fine,” widely used in Egyptian and Levantine
   • Usage: “Kwayyis, alhamdulillah.” (“I’m good, praise God.”)
8. Shu Akhbarak/Akhbarik (شو أخبارك)
   • Meaning: “What’s new?” / “How’s it going?” (Levant)
   • Usage: “Shu akhbarak? wayn hal ghaibeh?” (“What’s new? Long time no see!”)
9. Kif Halek? (كيف حالك)
   • Meaning: Another “How are you?” formal, but can be used casually in some dialects
   • Usage: “Kif halek, sister?”
10. Alf salamtek (ألف سلامتك)
    • Meaning: “Feel better,” literally “a thousand healths to you”
    • Usage: “You have a cold? Alf salamtek!”

People & Friendship (11–20)

11. Sa7bi/Sahbi (صاحبي)
    • Meaning: “My friend,” widely used in North Africa & some Levant
    • Usage: “Sa7bi, let’s go have coffee.”
12. Habibi/Habibti (حبيبي/حبيبتي)
    • Meaning: “My dear,” male/female, used for close friends or affectionately
    • Usage: “Habibi, what’s up?” or “Shukran, habibti!”
13. Khalas (خلاص)
    • Meaning: “Enough,” “done,” “that’s it.” Common across many dialects.
    • Usage: “Khalas, no more arguing.”
14. Mabsout(a) (مبسوط)
    • Meaning: “Happy,” “content,” used in Levant & Egypt
    • Usage: “Ana mabsout today, everything is good.”
15. Zalama (زلمة)
    • Meaning: “Dude,” “guy,” in Levantine usage
    • Usage: “That zalama is so cool!”
16. Shabab (شباب)
    • Meaning: “Guys,” “youth,” widely used for a group of male or mixed friends
    • Usage: “Yalla shabab, let’s move!”
17. Banat (بنات)
    • Meaning: “Girls,” used casually for a group of female friends
    • Usage: “Banat, let’s have a girls’ night out.”
18. Wallah (والله)
    • Meaning: “By God,” used for emphasis or sincerity
    • Usage: “Wallah, I’m not lying!” (“I swear, I’m telling the truth.”)
19. Akhi/Ukhti (أخي/أختي)
    • Meaning: “My brother/My sister,” used friendly or in religious contexts
    • Usage: “Akhi, can you help me with something?”
20. Magnoon (مجنون)
    • Meaning: “Crazy,” can be playful or literal
    • Usage: “That party was magnoon, man!”

Expressing Emotions & Reactions (21–30)

21. Ya Rijal (يا رجال)
    • Meaning: “Oh man!” or “Dude!” (especially Gulf/Levant)
    • Usage: “Ya Rijal, calm down, it’s not a big deal.”
22. Ya Salam (يا سلام)
    • Meaning: “Wow,” “Great,” expressing admiration or relief
    • Usage: “Ya Salam, that meal was perfect.”
23. Asfeen ya 3am (آسفين يا عم)
    • Meaning: “Sorry, man,” or “Sorry, dude,” Egyptian style
    • Usage: “Didn’t see you there—Asfeen ya 3am.”
24. Tamaam bro (تمام برو)
    • Meaning: “All good, bro,” Taglish of Arabic & English style
    • Usage: “Tamaam bro, let’s do it.”
25. Khallas (خلص)
    • Meaning: “Enough” or “Stop it,” similar to #7 but can also mean “I’m done.”
    • Usage: “Khallas with your complaining.”
26. Ya khabar Abyad (يا خبر أبيض)
    • Meaning: “Oh my goodness,” Egyptian exclamation for shock or surprise
    • Usage: “Ya khabar Abyad! Look at that crowd.”
27. 3aib (عيب)
    • Meaning: “Shame,” “That’s not appropriate.”
    • Usage: “3aib to talk like that to elders.”
28. Harakat (حركات)
    • Meaning: “Moves,” used to say someone is showing off or being fancy
    • Usage: “She’s got all the harakat, dancing so well.”
29. Shou Hal 7al (شو هالحال)
    • Meaning: “What is this situation?” (Levantine exclamation of frustration)
    • Usage: “Shou Hal 7al, the roads are all jammed!”
30. Ma3lesh (معليش)
    • Meaning: “Never mind,” “It’s okay,” “Don’t worry about it.”
    • Usage: “Ma3lesh, maybe next time.”

Food & Dining Slang (31–40)

31. Akil (أكل)
    • Meaning: “Food,” but used casually, e.g., “Akeel” sometimes in dialect
    • Usage: “Let’s get some akil, I’m starving.”
32. Shawarma
    • Meaning: A popular Middle Eastern wrap but used as a casual go-to meal reference
    • Usage: “I’m hungry—shawarma time?”
33. Zaki (زاكي)
    • Meaning: “Tasty,” used in Levant
    • Usage: “This falafel is zaki, I love it!”
34. Tayeb (طيب)
    • Meaning: “Delicious,” or “Okay,” has multiple contexts
    • Usage: “The dessert is tayeb!”
35. Kusar (كسر) (Egypt)
    • Meaning: “Snacks” or quick bites
    • Usage: “I’ll just get some kusar before heading home.”
36. Fatoosh
    • Meaning: A salad dish, but also slang in Levant for “mix up” or “messy”
    • Usage: “This plan is fatoosh, too many changes.”
37. La7meh (لحمة)
    • Meaning: “Meat,” used casually among meat-lovers
    • Usage: “Let’s grill some la7meh this weekend.”
38. Suhour (سحور)
    • Meaning: Pre-dawn meal in Ramadan, but used colloquially for any late meal
    • Usage: “We had a mini suhour at 4 AM after the party.”
39. Zahma
    • Meaning: “Crowded,” from Egyptian usage, can also refer to a place packed with people
    • Usage: “That restaurant is always zahma, better go early.”
40. Mish 3aib (مش عيب)
    • Meaning: “No shame in it,” used to mean “It’s okay, don’t be shy.”
    • Usage: “You want more food? Mish 3aib—go ahead!”

Internet & Tech Slang (41–50)

41. Share ya3ni?
    • Meaning: “Should I share this or what?” mixing English “share” + Arabic question
    • Usage: “This meme is so funny, share ya3ni?”
42. Like bas keda?
    • Meaning: “Just a like?” referencing minimal engagement on social media
    • Usage: “I posted a pic—like bas keda? Comment naman!”
43. Yalla Tweet
    • Meaning: “Go tweet,” mixing Arabic “Yalla” with English “Tweet.”
    • Usage: “We need your opinion—yalla tweet.”
44. Online bas (بس) ma fish
    • Meaning: “He’s online but no reply,” used for ignoring messages
    • Usage: “Online bas, ma fish response at all.”
45. DM me
    • Meaning: “Direct message me,” used in casual Taglish or Arablish.
    • Usage: “Need details? DM me, bro.”
46. Ma3alesh, lag
    • Meaning: “Sorry, lag,” referencing slow internet or glitch
    • Usage: “You froze? Ma3alesh, lag caused it.”
47. Hacki (حكي)
    • Meaning: “Talk,” or “chat,” used in some Levantine contexts for “we need to talk.”
    • Usage: “Hacki ma3i, what’s going on?”
48. Screencap
    • Meaning: “Screenshot,” from English, used widely.
    • Usage: “Screencap mo, show me what they said.”
49. Forsa (فرصة)
    • Meaning: “Opportunity,” but used to say “chance for a connection or message.”
    • Usage: “He’s online? Forsa to chat him now.”
50. PC (Private Chat)
    • Meaning: “Private chat,” used in gaming or group chats
    • Usage: “We’ll talk more in PC, not in group.”

Love & Dating Slang (51–60)

51. Kalam naem (كلام ناعم)
    • Meaning: “Sweet talk,” from “soft words.”
    • Usage: “He’s giving her kalam naem to woo her.”
52. Ma7adesh (محدش) (Egypt)
    • Meaning: “No one,” used to say “I have no one (romantic).”
    • Usage: “Ma7adesh in my life right now, single ako.”
53. Hayati (حياتي)
    • Meaning: “My life,” used as a sweet term for a loved one.
    • Usage: “Hayati, you look gorgeous.”
54. Omri (عمري)
    • Meaning: “My life,” Levant/Gulf usage, also a term of endearment.
    • Usage: “Omri, let’s watch a movie tonight?”
55. Ashi2 (أعشق)
    • Meaning: “I adore,” stronger than “love,” can be slangy in texts
    • Usage: “Ashi2ek!” (“I adore you!”)
56. Mushkila
    • Meaning: “Problem,” but in relationships, used jokingly for complications
    • Usage: “If he’s not texting back, is that a mushkila?”
57. Taqburni (تقبرني) (Levant)
    • Meaning: “You bury me,” intense love expression “I can’t live without you.”
    • Usage: “Taqburni, you’re my everything.”
58. A7la (أحلى)
    • Meaning: “The sweetest” or “the loveliest,” used for complimenting someone dear.
    • Usage: “You’re my a7la habibi.”
59. Habeeb / Habeebti
    • Meaning: Variation of “habibi,” for endearing your partner.
    • Usage: “Goodnight, habeebti.”
60. Saghr (صغر)
    • Meaning: “Being childish,” teasing a partner for being silly
    • Usage: “Don’t do saghr, talk to me properly.”

Family & Daily Life (61–70)

61. Baba / Mama
    • Meaning: “Dad / Mom,” used in casual contexts with parents
    • Usage: “Baba, can I borrow the car?”
62. Khalo / Khala
    • Meaning: “Uncle / Aunt” (maternal), can be used for a close family friend too
    • Usage: “Khalo Sami is visiting this weekend.”
63. Weld la3eb (ولد لاعب) (Morocco)
    • Meaning: “Kid who’s tricky,” can refer to a mischievous child
    • Usage: “That’s a real weld la3eb, always pranking people.”
64. Binat ennas (بنات الناس) (Tunisia/Algeria)
    • Meaning: “Daughters of the people,” means decent/good girls or a respectable family
    • Usage: “We want binat ennas for marriage.”
65. Gahwa
    • Meaning: “Coffee,” used in daily slang for “Let’s have coffee.”
    • Usage: “Yalla, gahwa time?”
66. Ta’ale (تعالي)
    • Meaning: “Come here,” Egyptian/Levant usage
    • Usage: “Ta’ale mama, help me with cooking.”
67. Sa7n (صحن)
    • Meaning: “Plate,” but in slang can also mean a big portion
    • Usage: “We have a huge sa7n of biryani.”
68. Zatuna (زيتونة) (some Levantine)
    • Meaning: “Olive,” but used affectionately for something small or dear
    • Usage: “Hey my little zatuna, come here!”
69. Khafeef (خفيف)
    • Meaning: “Light,” can also mean “funny or not serious.”
    • Usage: “He’s khafeef, always joking around.”
70. Bokra (بكرة)
    • Meaning: “Tomorrow,” used in daily speech, also to mean “someday soon.”
    • Usage: “We’ll do it bokra, inshallah.”

Negative Feelings & Frustrations (71–80)

71. Mafeesh fayda (مافيش فايدة) (Egypt)
    • Meaning: “No use,” “Hopeless,” literal “There’s no benefit.”
    • Usage: “Tried everything—mafeesh fayda.”
72. Kida kida (كده كده) (Egypt)
    • Meaning: “Anyway,” “Regardless,” can show frustration.
    • Usage: “Kida kida, I’m going home.”
73. Fadi (فاضي)
    • Meaning: “Empty,” “free time,” or “jobless,” can be used as “Are you free?”
    • Usage: “You’re so fadi, do something useful!”
74. Balash (بلاش)
    • Meaning: “Never mind,” “Forget it,” or “no need.”
    • Usage: “Balash argument, let’s just move on.”
75. Ma tbayyen (ما تبين) (Levant)
    • Meaning: “It doesn’t show,” used to say “not obvious” or “no difference.”
    • Usage: “Trying to hide? Ma tbayyen, we see you.”
76. Kida (كده) (Egypt)
    • Meaning: “Like that,” or used to emphasize “really?!”
    • Usage: “You doing me kida? That’s not cool.”
77. Halas (هلس)
    • Meaning: “Nonsense,” “foolish talk,” in some dialects.
    • Usage: “Stop the halas, focus on real issues.”
78. Bahh / Bas (بح) (Gulf)
    • Meaning: “Gone,” “finished,” “no more.”
    • Usage: “All money is bahh, spent it all!”
79. Ta’ban (تعبان)
    • Meaning: “Exhausted,” “worn out,” can be about mood or physically
    • Usage: “I’m so ta’ban, need to rest.”
80. Bahe? (بحق?)
    • Meaning: “Really?” or “Seriously?” (some dialect variation)
    • Usage: “We’re going to cancel the trip? Bahe?”

Pop Culture & Trends (81–90)

81. Mazh (مزح)
    • Meaning: “Joke,” from root meaning “kidding”
    • Usage: “Don’t get upset, it’s mazh!”
82. Shem fi (شـم في) (Iraqi)
    • Meaning: “What’s new?” or “What’s up?”
    • Usage: “Shem fi, friend?”
83. Khatiir (خطير)
    • Meaning: “Dangerous,” but used for “super cool,” “awesome.”
    • Usage: “That car is khatiir, so sleek!”
84. Hafla (حفلة)
    • Meaning: “Party,” used in slang for any big celebration
    • Usage: “We have a hafla for your graduation.”
85. Sawra (ثورة)
    • Meaning: “Revolution,” used in slang to say “Huge trend or wave.”
    • Usage: “This K-pop is a sawra among youth.”
86. Le3ba (لعبة)
    • Meaning: “Game,” also slang for a trick or cunning plan
    • Usage: “He’s got a le3ba to get that job.”
87. Mo7tawa (محتوى)
    • Meaning: “Content,” used for digital content creation.
    • Usage: “Her mo7tawa on YouTube is so creative.”
88. Eish 7al? (إيش حال) (Gulf)
    • Meaning: “What’s up?” or “What’s the situation?”
    • Usage: “Eish 7al, buddy? Everything good?”
89. Sultan el 7ob (سلطان الحب)
    • Meaning: “King of love,” ironically used for a big flirt.
    • Usage: “He’s the sultan el 7ob around the ladies.”
90. Inshallah
    • Meaning: “God willing,” used in everyday speech for “hopefully.”
    • Usage: “We’ll finish on time, inshallah.”

Additional 10 Slang Gems (91–100)

91. Bawadi (بوادي) (Maghreb)
    • Meaning: “Countryside,” used slangy to refer to remote or outdated style
    • Usage: “Those clothes are bawadi, not city-style.”
92. Mashy (ماشي)
    • Meaning: “Okay,” “fine,” especially in Maghreb/Egypt.
    • Usage: “Mashy, let’s do this later.”
93. Kelshi tamam (كلشي تمام) (Levant)
    • Meaning: “Everything’s fine,” “All good.”
    • Usage: “Kelshi tamam, no worries.”
94. Hat yak (هات ياك) (Egypt)
    • Meaning: “Bring it on,” encouraging or “gimme that.”
    • Usage: “Hat yak, let’s see what you got.”
95. Ma’lesh
    • Meaning: Variation of “ma3lesh,” “Never mind,” “It’s okay.”
    • Usage: “Didn’t pass the test? Ma’lesh, next time!”
96. Damm khaal (دم خال)
    • Meaning: “He’s so chill,” or “He has calm blood,” used in some dialects
    • Usage: “That guy’s never angry—damm khaal indeed.”
97. Kida kida (كده كده) (Egypt)
    • Meaning: “Anyway,” repeated from #72 but can also mean “like so.”
    • Usage: “We do it kida kida, no fuss.”
98. Shufu hal (شوفوا هال) (Levant)
    • Meaning: “Look at this,” used to show something surprising
    • Usage: “Shufu hal style, it’s wild!”
99. Halal Habibi
    • Meaning: “Allowed dear,” ironically used for something acceptable or comedic about “acceptable love.”
    • Usage: “Your crush is your Halal Habibi, right?”
100. Bkhaterk (بخاطرك) (Levant)
     – Meaning: “Goodbye,” literally “with your own will,” said when leaving
     – Usage: “I’m out, bkhaterk guys!”

Conclusion: Ready to Go Local?

Mabrook! (مبروك!) You’ve just discovered 100 essential Arabic slang terms that give you an insider’s look into the playful, day-to-day language used across the Arab world—especially in those bustling, dynamic city centers like Cairo, Beirut, and Dubai. Mastering a few choice expressions can transform your travels, your friendships, and your media consumption into a more authentic, enjoyable experience.

Final Tips:

• Respect Dialect Variation: Slang in Morocco can differ from that in the Gulf. Tailor your slang usage to the region or group you’re in.
• Practice with Friends: The best way to lock in slang is to try it in real conversations. Don’t be shy—Arabs appreciate the effort!
• Stay Curious: As with any living language, Arabic slang evolves with pop culture and social media. Keep an eye on trending shows, songs, and hashtags for new phrases.

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Which Arabic slang word did you find most surprising or fun? Share your thoughts below in the comments! If you enjoyed this guide, share it with fellow language enthusiasts or on social platforms. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into global languages and cultures.

Now you’re set to take on those lively majlis gatherings, late-night shawarma stops, or casually chat up your shabab. Yalla, habibi! Show off that new slang savvy.

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