waad fool xun tahay
To say "you're ugly" in Somali, use waad fool xun tahay.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are not physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase waad fool xun tahay literally translates to "you are a bad face", where fool xun means "bad face".
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle waad is a combination of the affirmative marker waa and the second-person singular pronoun ad (you).
Did you know?
- Because direct insults are socially risky, Somalis may use indirect poetry or riddles to call someone 'ugly' without using the phrase waad fool xun tahay.
- In some Somali dialects, focusing on the 'face' (fool) when insulting someone is a specific way to target their honor and public identity.
- The word xun is so versatile that it can describe a bad smell, a poor quality product or a wicked person.
Examples in context
- Waad fool xun tahay.You are ugly.
Example conversation
Two people are arguing during a disagreement.
- OmarMa jecli habka aad u hadasho.I don't like the way you speak.
- YasminWaad fool xun tahay, Omar!You're ugly, Omar!
- OmarMaxaad taas u tidhaahdaa?Why do you say that?
- YasminWaayo waad xanaaqday.Because you are angry.
