When does catchy become cheesy?
It’s a question some Arabic speakers may have pondered when hearing the latest western pop star use the word ‘habibi’ to showcase their international outlook or salute their regional fans.
From superstar rapper Drake, who has dropped the term of endearment in as many as three songs (including this year's Only You Freestyle) to The Voice France singer Kendji Griac's newest single, the ubiquitous word is arguably one of the Arabic world's biggest cultural exports.
While habibi is a fun and affectionate term to use – and we appreciate all attempts to embrace the region's vernacular – there are plenty of other words that artists could work into their material.
The Arabic language is full of wonderful and colourful words and metaphorical phrases that provide as much impact as habibi in terms of style, rhythm and melody.
One person who knows a lot about that is Freek.
Born Mustafa Ismail, the Somali rapper and Dubai resident found international success on the back of his single Wala Kilma.
Translated to mean 'not a word' in English, and accompanied by a video shot in an abandoned Soviet aircraft in the Umm Al Quwain desert, the catchy refrain found fans across Europe, with the track topping more than one million streams on YouTube and a UK tour in late 2019.
It goes to show, he says, that the Arabic language is full of riches for those who wish to delve a little deeper.
"I have nothing against the word habibi," he tells The National. "But it is up to Arabic-speaking artists to show western artists that there are other interesting words out there.
"That’s what I am trying to do with my music. I am trying to introduce interesting words and Arabic slang into the music to show people the language is fun, cool and offers a lot artistically and creatively.”
In that spirit, here Freek breaks down 14 Arabic words and sayings that can be used by artists with another mother tongue. From the pan-Arab term shway shway to the Emirati slang of khassi, these words hit the right note of fun and authenticity.
1. A-yish al door
This is Gulf slang and it is also very metaphorical. If you break this word down literally, it means "living the role". It is often used to describe someone who is full of themselves, in denial or living in a fantasy land.
So if someone asks your opinion of that person, you can just roll your eyes and say, “man, that’s guy’s a-yish al door".
2. Akeed
This is one of the most famous words in the Arabic language and is used by young and old. Akeed means "for sure", that you are "down" to do something or that you are "on it".
3. Aslan aadi
The Arab version of "yeah, whatever".
This is a cool phrase that can work within hip-hop tracks because it expresses nonchalance. So, you can rap about how someone broke into your house and you just say "aslan aadi" because you don’t care.
4. Fulus
I am surprised this is not widely used in English rap because it is a word you hear everywhere. It means money and, like habibi, is a word that everyone understands no matter where you are in the Arab word. Whenever you go to a souk, you will hear someone saying, "you have fulus?"
5. Khalas
This is the next Arab word I predict will go international because I am hearing it used by UK artists more and more. I am not surprised because it has attitude. Meaning "finished", it can be used to describe the end of something, either physically or emotionally. You can say, "I went to the store and grabbed all the things, khalas", or you can also say, "man, I am done with you, khalas!"
6. Khali-wali
Another catchy phrase. This one is used around the Gulf a lot and it basically means "forget about it". You had a bad day? Just khali-wali, man, and keep it moving.
7. Khassi
This is an Emirati term that I love.
I don’t know how to give you the exact translation in one word, but it essentially means something that is not on your level. So if someone asks if you are going to the party tonight? You just say "khassi" to show how whack it is.
8. Mawjood
I love this word because it has a sense of mystery. It basically means “I’m here” or “I’m around". It’s a good one to use when people ask where you have been. You can just say “mawjood” without really having to explain yourself.
9. Miyah miyah
If you are a rapper, you can have so much fun with this. It literally means "100 out of 100", and makes for a cool reply when people ask how are you doing or how things are going. It can also be used to state your commitment and that you "are down for whatever, miyah miyah".
10. Saman
Don’t ask me how or why, but this quirky Emirati word can either mean luggage or a very attractive person. Both definitions are not linked in any way. You can easily go to an airport carousel and say “hey there, do you have my saman?”
11. Shway shway
This is the title of one of my new tracks. This is a great phrase because it is really metaphorical. It means "just a little bit", but you can use it in a variety of situations. It is also quite easy to rhyme with.
12. Wala kilma
I am not saying this because it's another one of my songs, but I think that this works perfectly in hip-hop. It essentially means “not a word” or “shut up". In my song, I used it to clap back at my haters. I was saying “shhh, wala kilma", this conversation is over.
13. Ya’ni
This word can be used in many ways. It can mean “so-so” or “whatever” to describe a boring day, but I normally use it as an Arabic version of "you know". This way, when I am rapping, I can use it at the beginning or the end of a line.
14. Yalla
While it technically means "let’s go", how you say it really gives this word its meaning. If you say it when you are happy, it can basically mean "let’s get the party started". If you say it when you are angry, you're telling the person to move it. This is another word you can easily use at the beginning or end of a sentence.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
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PROFILE OF CURE.FIT
Started: July 2016
Founders: Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori
Based: Bangalore, India
Sector: Health & wellness
Size: 500 employees
Investment: $250 million
Investors: Accel, Oaktree Capital (US); Chiratae Ventures, Epiq Capital, Innoven Capital, Kalaari Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Piramal Group’s Anand Piramal, Pratithi Investment Trust, Ratan Tata (India); and Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s global venture capital arm)
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Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
MATCH INFO
Everton 2 Southampton 1
Everton: Walcott (15'), Richarlison (31' )
Southampton: Ings (54')
Man of the match: Theo Walcott (Everton)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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FULL%20FIGHT%20CARD
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
First-round leaderbaord
-5 C Conners (Can)
-3 B Koepka (US), K Bradley (US), V Hovland (Nor), A Wise (US), S Horsfield (Eng), C Davis (Aus);
-2 C Morikawa (US), M Laird (Sco), C Tringale (US)
Selected others: -1 P Casey (Eng), R Fowler (US), T Hatton (Eng)
Level B DeChambeau (US), J Rose (Eng)
1 L Westwood (Eng), J Spieth (US)
3 R McIlroy (NI)
4 D Johnson (US)
More coverage from the Future Forum
Results:
6.30pm: Handicap | US$135,000 (Dirt) | 1,400 metres
Winner: Rodaini, Connor Beasley (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap | $135,000 (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Ekhtiyaar, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
7.40pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes | Group 3 | $200,000 (T) | 2,000m
Winner: Spotify, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: UAE Oakes | Group 3 | $250,000 (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm: Zabeel Mile | Group 2 | $250,000 (T) | 1,600m
Winner: Mythical Image, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.20pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
Winner: Major Partnership, Kevin Stott, Saeed bin Suroor
Engine: 80 kWh four-wheel-drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 760Nm
Price: From Dh280,000
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.5-litre%20V12%20and%20three%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C015hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C500Nm%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Early%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh2%20million%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
Book%20Details
%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3EThree%20Centuries%20of%20Travel%20Writing%20by%20Muslim%20Women%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEditors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiobhan%20Lambert-Hurley%2C%20Daniel%20Majchrowicz%2C%20Sunil%20Sharma%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EIndiana%20University%20Press%3B%20532%20pages%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
THE TWIN BIO
Their favourite city: Dubai
Their favourite food: Khaleeji
Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach
Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
MATCH INFO
Red Star Belgrade v Tottenham Hotspur, midnight (Thursday), UAE
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
