Phrases
15 Iraqi Slang Phrases That Don't Exist in Any Other Dialect
شكو ماكو
shaku maku
What's up? / What's going on?
The most iconic Iraqi phrase
شكو ماكو (shaku maku) literally means 'What's there, what's not there?' but translates to 'What's up?' or 'What's going on?' It's the ultimate Iraqi icebreaker and the first slang visitors notice.
شكو ماكو
shaku maku
What's up?
ماكو شي
maku shi
Nothing much / All clear
Expressions of affection
Iraqis express love and endearment with unique phrases. فدوة (fadwa) literally means 'my sacrifice' but is used like 'aww, how cute!' or 'I'd do anything for you.' A stronger version is فدوة اروحلك (fadwa arooh-lak) — 'I'd sacrifice myself for you.'
فدوة
fadwa
Cute / Adorable / My sacrifice
يا بعد عيني
ya ba'ad aini
Oh, you are after my eyes
A deep term of endearment
مشتاقلك
mushtaq-lak
I miss you
Everyday Iraqi slang
Day-to-day Iraqi speech is packed with colorful slang. دايخ (dayikh) means 'dizzy' or 'disoriented'. مالي خلگ (mali khulug) means 'I'm not in the mood'. كلاوات (klawat) means 'shenanigans' or 'cunning tricks'. These words give Iraqi Arabic its distinctive personality.
دايخ
dayikh
Dizzy / Disoriented
مالي خلگ
mali khulug
I'm not in the mood
يمعود
ya-m'awid
Come on! / Hey you!
خوش
khosh
Good / Nice
Reactions and interjections
When something goes wrong, Iraqis say عزا (azza) — 'Oh no!' For praise, it's عفيه (afiya) — 'Good job!' When checking on someone who seems off, you ask شنو السالفة؟ (shinu al-salfa?) — 'What's the story?'
عزا
azza
Oh no! / Oh dear!
عفيه
afiya
Good job! / Well done!
شنو السالفة
shinu al-salfa
What's the story? / What's going on?
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