Unlocking Our Arab Mothers’ Language, One Tahzee’a At A Time!
In the Middle East, Arab moms are celebrated every day, they are the backbones of our society and a huge part of our lives. The best thing about them is that we know them so well and understand them to the point that we know what they’re going to say before they even say it. Talking to your Arab mom, you know exactly what kind of conversation you’re going in for. Thing is, all Arab moms have this sort of common lingo they use almost every day. For a good laugh, let’s see what are eight common things all Arab moms say to their kids across the Middle East.
Let’s play the quiet game!
As a child, you’re often filled with energy and have things to say and do but there will come a time when your mom will want to shut you up so she’ll trick you into thinking you’re playing a game with her. A game where both of you don’t talk and whoever talks first is crowned the loser. Aside from getting some quiet time, she teaches you self-control.
When you have children of your own, I hope they’re just like you
When your mom is fed up with you, and all your arguing and annoying habits, she says this curse. Sick of dealing with you, she wishes you would suffer the same way she does, by having to deal with children that are just as annoying as you.
If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?
More often than not, as teens, we want to participate in group activities and go out with our friends. When your mom doesn’t approve, she always brings up this question to test your logic. Arab moms ask this question when you ask them for a new phone because your friend got one. It’s such a classic question.
I’ll Get The Sheb Sheb!
Almost all Arab millennials had a moment with their moms where if they resist for a second doing something, the mother will give a death stare and say, “don’t make me get the shebsheb.” The shebsheb or slippers are a trademark or rather superpower for almost all mothers that as we grew up have unironically, kept us on our toes.
As long as you live in my house, you live by my rules
Every now and then when you forget yourself and think you can make up the rules, your mom will definitely remind you who’s the boss. You come home before curfew, you eat at the dinner table, and you clean your room when asked to.
You’ll understand when you’re older
Sometimes your mom advises or asks you to do something and it just doesn’t click with you. Her other advice would be to just listen to her because she knows better and you’ll get it later. That is why for now, just listen to her because she’s right, it will make sense when you are older.
I used to wipe your butt
Whenever you think you’re slick, or try to tell your mom what to do, she will make sure you remember that she is in control and remind you of the time she bathed you and changed your diapers. Stay focused and know your place.
What if I come in there and find it?
This question is legendary and universal. It’s your Arab mom’s answer for when you lose something and ask her about it. First, she will tell you exactly where it is, and of course, you will not find it. Yet, when she comes looking for it, you know she will find it. They just know everything!
These are just a few of the hilarious common sayings that you will hear in any Arab household. They all pack a real punch and truly epitomize the hilarious spirit of every Arab mum out there. Let us know in the comments if there are any Arab mum sayings we missed out.
