In a country with over 90 million people, you’re bound to find yourself stuck in line on a regular basis.
Getting any basic service requires standing in an endless line, that’s a fact of life, especially in Cairo. Thankfully, however, if there’s one thing every Egyptian has mastered, it’s the art of cutting in line. Here are a few common strategies we’ve all used at some point.
1. Taboor el setat/Taboor el regala
This technique is used when someone decides that they are too far back in line and consequently start a new line just for people of their gender where they will undoubtedly get to the finish line first.
2. Asly kont wa2ef w meshet
This person was probably never in line but they will do their best to pretend like they were so you’ll let them cut in front of you.
3. E3mel nafsak 3’aby
By far one of the most common strategies, someone will stand next to the line or even walk right up to the front of it. When they get called out, they’ll act dumb by saying say something to the extent of ‘Oh, I didn’t notice the line.’ That’s understandable though, it’s not like there’s a giant group of people standing in one straight line.
4. El sabr bellah
Another strategy we’ve all probably seen is people unapologetically cutting to the front of the line and then telling the people behind them to be patient. Why can’t they just practice what they preach?
5. Mesh Hatawel
One common technique people use to cut to the front is pretending like they don’t have many items and won’t take long. The minute you let them cut however, 50 of their closest friends show up with items of their own and the person you originally allowed to cut in line strikes up a conversation with the cashier that lasts for a couple of hours.
6. Feeh haga?
This one only works for individuals who could be mistaken for Hulk’s stunt double.
7. Asly mesta3gel
This person acts like their schedule is so booked they can’t spare the two minutes it takes to stand in line when in reality they probably have nothing planned for the rest of the day.
8. The Extendable Arm
This method is so efficient, the person doesn’t even need to cut in line. If their arm is long enough, the person will simply pass all of their items to the cashier right over your head.
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