حقير
haqīr
The Arabic word for scumbag is حقير (haqīr).
حقير is used to describe a despicable person.
Meaning: despicable person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from a root meaning 'lowly', 'base' or 'insignificant'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is a formal or standard word used in Modern Standard Arabic. It is understood by speakers across all Arabic-speaking regions.
How do you pronounce it?
haqīr
Did you know?
- In classical Arabic literature, حقير was sometimes used to describe a humble person rather than a despicable one. The meaning shifted over time from 'humble' to 'lowly' and finally to 'contemptible'.
- Despite being a harsh insult, حقير is considered 'clean' language because it contains no profanity or references to bodily functions, allowing it to appear in formal literature and news.
- While حقير is used in formal writing, using it in a heated street argument might sound strangely poetic or overly dramatic to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- إنه خرا بامتياز.He's a scumbag through and through.
- إنه شخص حقير جداً.Innahu shakhsun haqeer jiddan.He is a very despicable person.
- لا تكن حقيرًا مع الناس.La takun haqeeran ma'a al-nas.Don't be a scumbag to people.
Example conversation
Mariam and Youssef are talking about a dishonest coworker.
- مريم Maryamهل سمعت ماذا فعل يوسف في العمل؟hal sami'ta madha fa'ala Youssef fil-amal?Did you hear what Youssef did at work?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، إنه حقير حقاً.na'am, innahu haqir haqqan.Yes, he is truly a scumbag.
- مريم Maryamأنا لا أصدق أنه سرق الفكرة.ana la usaddiq annahu saraqa al-fikra.I can't believe he stole the idea.
- يوسف Youssefهذا هو أسلوبه دائماً.hadha huwa uslubuhu da'iman.That is always his style.
