haashchʼį́į́go
The English phrase "what the hell" can be expressed in Navajo as haashchʼį́į́go.
This phrase serves as an intensive form of the question word "what".
Meaning: an intensive form of what (phrase)
Did you know?
- Navajo was famously used as a code during World War II because its complex grammar and sounds were nearly impossible for outsiders to crack.
- The phrase haashchʼį́į́go literally translates to 'at/by means of what', where the intensive sense is built into the directional grammar rather than using a swear word.
- Navajo is a 'tonal' language, meaning that the high and low tones in haashchʼį́į́go can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
Example conversation
Amanda finds a strange object in the living room.
- AmandaHaashchʼį́į́go bee náníshį́į́?What the hell is this?
- BrandonHózhǫ́ǫ́go bee náníshį́į́.It is just a decoration.
- AmandaDoo tʼáá ááko hólǫ́.It does not look like that.
- BrandonÁádóó nishłį́.I just bought it.
