ابن كلب
ibn kalbvulgar, insult
In Egyptian Arabic, a common way to insult someone like a "bastard" is ابن كلب (ibn kalb), literally "son of a dog".
It is a strong insult said in anger, usually as يا ابن الكلب (ya ibn el-kalb). Avoid it in polite company and never use it with elders.
Meaning: strong insult for a despicable man (noun)
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English word, it does not mean a child born outside marriage. It simply calls a man despicable.
Did you know?
- In Egyptian Arabic dogs are a common source of insults, which is why كلب (kalb) appears in many curses.
Examples in context
- يا ابن الكلب!ya ibn el-kalbYou bastard!
- ده ابن كلب، ماتصدقوشda ibn kalb, mat'saddaqushHe is a bastard, don't believe him.
Example conversation
Two friends, Youssef and Ali, talk about a driver who cut Youssef off in Cairo traffic.
- Youssefالسواق ده كان هيخبطنيel-sawwa' da kan hayekhbatniThat driver nearly hit me.
- Aliقلت له إيه؟olt luh ehWhat did you say to him?
- Youssefقلت يا ابن الكلب بس هو ماسمعشolt ya ibn el-kalb bass huwwa masemeshI said you bastard, but he did not hear.
