ابن كلب
ibn kalb
The phrase "son of a dog" in Arabic is ابن كلب (ibn kalb).
This phrase is a common insult used to describe someone as contemptible, low-life or unpleasant. The phrase ابن الكلب is an informal way of expressing frustration or anger towards someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'ibn' (son) and 'kalb' (dog).
How do you pronounce it?
ibn kalb
Did you know?
- In some Levantine dialects, if you use this phrase with a specific rising intonation, it can shift from a genuine insult to a way of expressing playful or shocked amazement at a person's cleverness.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the strength of an insult often relies on attacking a person's lineage rather than their own actions, which is why 'son of' is a key component.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, dogs were historically viewed as impure, which is why calling someone a كلب or the son of one is a profound social degradation.
Examples in context
- هذا الشخص ابن كلب.hadha al-shakhs ibn kalb.This person is a son of a dog.
- لا تتعامل معه، هو ابن كلب.la tata'amal ma'ahu, huwa ibn kalb.Don't deal with him, he is a son of a dog.
- لقد فعل ذلك، إنه ابن كلب حقاً.laqad fa'ala dhalika, innahu ibn kalb haqqan.He did that, he is truly a son of a dog.
Example conversation
Ziad and Nour are arguing after Ziad lied to her.
- زياد Ziadأنا آسف يا نور، كنت أمزح فقط.Ana asif ya Nour, kuntu amzah faqat.I'm sorry Nour, I was just joking.
- نور Nourأنت ابن كلب لأنك كذبت علي!Anta ibn kalb li'annaka kadhabta 'alayya!You are a son of a dog because you lied to me!
- زياد Ziadأرجوكِ سامحيني، لم أقصد إيذاءك.Arjuki samihini, lam aqsid idha'aki.Please forgive me, I didn't mean to hurt you.
- نور Nourلا أريد التحدث معك الآن.La uridu al-tahadduth ma'aka al-an.I don't want to talk to you right now.
