When compiling the list, we enjoyed learning more about each other’s cultures and we hope you enjoy reading our list of pop culture phrases too!
This list has been compiled by our April Amplifying Israel Teen Fellows: Rian Gordon, Atlanta and Noa Boguslavsky and Tamir Shaginyan, Yokneam, Israel.
Hebrew Phrases:
“Al hapanim” – על הפנים- when something is really bad and not fun.
Example- I’m really bored… this concert is “al hapanim.”
“Sababa” – סבבה – okay or “cool”
Example- “sababa”, I’ll be there tonight.
“Chai beseret” – חי בסרט – something you call someone when he is “dreaming” or not connect to reality (in free translation it is- living in a movie).
“Met al ze”- מת על זה- when you wanna say you really love something (in free translation- “im dying on it”). Example- this food is great! “Ani met al ze”!
“Para para” – פרה פרה – very similar to- “one step at a time” (a bit weird, but in free translation it means- “cow cow”).
Nadir-נדיר “awesome”
Sahi -סאחי “someone boring and simple”
Ani Pipi-אני פיפי “It’s so funny, I can pee out of laughter.״
English Phrases:
“That slaps” – when something is excellent or amazing!
Example: That song slaps!
“Break a leg”- A way to wish someone good luck before a performance of some kind.
“She’s so sweet, she told me to break a leg on stage tonight.”
“I’m down”- I agree or am interested.
“Wanna go to the movies?” “Ya I’m down.”
YOLO- “You only live once”
“I know I shouldnt eat the whole pizza by myself but YOLO.”
“For real” – to speak honestly
“That was scary for real.”
Drip- extreme coolness, style
“You got some nice drip.”
