Even though we, Egyptians, have a way with words, sometimes they are not enough and can’t always express some of our feelings. Instead, we choose to make some sounds that are somehow considered…words.
Below are 21 sounds that can only be found in the Egyptian dictionary:
1. Psss
For drawing someone’s attention.
2. Yiiyiiih same as Yoowooh
When you feel irritated or frustrated.
3. Lolololeeey
For some odd reason, the za3’routa speaks happiness.
4. Sss Wow
The “wow” is universal, but the “sss” at the beginning is purely Egyptian!! We like to add our magical touch.
5. Ya33
When we’re disgusted.
6. Offf
While the rest of the world says ufff, we express our boredom from the bottom of our hearts so it comes out as OFFF!
7. Aho/Aheh/Ahah
To point out something.
8. Yadi…
Elnila, elaraf… kol wa7d w zo2o ba2a.
9. Enbuu
For persuading a baby to drink.
10. Hamm Ya Gamall
Another way to sweet talking your baby to eat.
11. Tsk Tsk
That one sound that drove Ismail Yassin & El Khawaga Bijo crazy, figuring how to write it down. It’s used to encourage a donkey to move.
12. Chi ha
It seems there’s a dictionary of words between us and donkeys.
12. Hooo
13. Ts Ts Ts
Always accompanied with a head shake.
14. Yaaah
16. Ya bayyy
To express distress from someone or something.
17. Aeiii
18. A555
w sob7an Allah, it’s always followed by…..
19. Ehhh
20. Opaaa
21. Any/Anhy/Nehin/Nehoon
