I speak 5 languages...
German, Spanish, English, French, and (Lebanese) Arabic.
Of the five, (Lebanese) Arabic is the most expressive.
So much so that translations are always lacking in character - the Lebanese *manyakeh*.
Below is a sample of Lebanese expressions and their non-Lebanese counterparts.
I miss you: W’air shou mishtaklak!
What happened?: W’air shoo sar?
What's wrong with you?!?: W’air bi shaklak
What's wrong?: W’air shoo fee?
W'air have you been??: W’air waynak?
Turn on the AC: W’air shoo fee shob!
The AC is not working!: W’air condition!
How could you do that?!: W’air shoo beik ya zalameh!
Please come back later: W’air ma shayifneh mashghoul
I have a hang over: W’air minteik albeh
Why haven't you called me?: W’air ma pta3reef it’talfeen
What an idea!! : W’air malla fikra!
Please reconsider: W’air ma bee-seer!
Of course!: W’air walaw!
It gets better!: W’air ba3id ma shifit shee! (courtsey of w-air.com)
see:
w-air.com
-finkployd