بابا نويل
baba noeleveryday, Egypt
In Egyptian Arabic, Santa Claus is بابا نويل (baba noel), literally "Father Christmas". The loanword سانتا كلوز (santa kloz) is also understood.
Meaning: Santa Claus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Egyptian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| بابا نويل | baba noel | everyday, Egypt |
| سانتا كلوز | santa kloz | casual, loanword |
Children and parents say بابا نويل when they talk about gifts at New Year or Christmas. The name appears in shop decorations and ads in Cairo.
When do people say it?
Gifts and decorations are more common around 31 December for many families, while Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January.
Did you know?
- بابا (baba) means "dad" and نويل (noel) is the French word for Christmas, so the Egyptian name copies the French "Père Noël".
Examples in context
- بابا نويل جاب لي هديةbaba noel gab li hediyyaSanta brought me a present.
- الأطفال بيحبوا بابا نويلel-atfal biyehebbu baba noelChildren love Santa.
- هنلبس زي بابا نويلhanelbes zayy baba noelWe will dress up as Santa.
Example conversation
Karim asks his mother in Alexandria about the man in red at the mall.
- Karimماما، مين ده؟mama, min daMom, who is that?
- Mamaده بابا نويل يا حبيبيda baba noel ya habibiThat is Santa, my dear.
- Karimعايز هدية منهayez hediyya minnuI want a present from him.
