Popular Slang, Informal, and Funny Phrases in Farsi (Persian)
Farsi is a lively language full of slang, informal phrases, and humorous expressions. Learning these expressions will help you engage more naturally and connect with native speakers. Below are some of the most commonly used slang terms, insults, compliments, and funny phrases in Farsi.
Pedar Sag (پدر سگ)
Literally translating to "dog father," this phrase is one of the more colorful insults in Farsi. It’s similar to calling someone a "bastard" in English but can vary in intensity depending on the context. While it can be highly offensive when used in serious arguments, among close friends, it’s often used as a lighthearted joke.
Topoli (تپلی)
Topoli means "chubby" or "plump" but is used in an affectionate and endearing manner, often directed toward children or pets. It conveys a sense of cuteness, much like how English speakers might call someone "chubby" in a loving way.
Gooz (گوز)
Gooz translates directly to "fart" in Farsi and is commonly used in informal conversations to dismiss something as trivial or unimportant, much like saying "it's no big deal" in English. On the other hand, Goozoo is a playful diminutive of Gooz, used to affectionately or teasingly refer to someone as "a little fart" or "tiny fart."
Bikhial (بیخیال)
Bikhial means "forget it" or "let it go." It’s used to tell someone not to worry about something, often in a laid-back or dismissive way. This word is frequently used among friends to diffuse tension or calm someone down.
Boro Baa Baad (برو با باد)
Literally, "go with the wind," this phrase is a lighter way of telling someone to leave or "get lost." It’s not as harsh as other forms of dismissing someone and is often used jokingly among friends.
Chert-o-Pert (چرت و پرت)
This phrase means "nonsense" or "gibberish." It’s used to dismiss something that’s irrelevant or foolish, much like saying "that’s rubbish" or "nonsense" in English.
Olagh (الاغ)
Olagh means "donkey" in Farsi and is used to describe someone as foolish or slow-witted, similar to calling someone a "jackass" in English.
Divooneh (دیوانه)
Divooneh means "crazy" or "mad." It’s often used jokingly to describe someone who’s acting wild or unpredictable, much like calling someone a "nutcase" or "crazy" in English.
Badbakht (بدبخت)
Badbakht means "unfortunate" or "miserable" and is used to describe someone who has bad luck or is going through tough times. It can also be used sarcastically.
Nokhodi (نخودی)
Nokhodi literally means "pea," but it’s used to describe someone who is small, insignificant, or unimportant. It’s a playful insult, often used to make fun of someone for not contributing much.
Khar (خر)
Khar means "donkey," but in slang, it’s often used to refer to someone acting foolishly, much like calling someone a "dummy" or "jackass" in English. It can be used playfully among friends but can also be insulting if used in a serious context.
Pofak (پفک)
Pofak means "puff" and is often used to describe someone who is soft or weak. It’s a light insult, often used in a teasing manner.
Bi Namak (بی نمک)
Bi Namak translates to "without salt," but it’s used to describe someone who is dull, boring, or humorless, the opposite of someone who is charming or witty.
Ahmagh (احمق)
Ahmagh means "idiot" or "fool," and it’s a direct insult often used to criticize someone’s intelligence or behavior. It’s a more serious insult, comparable to calling someone "stupid" in English.
Kachal (کچل)
Kachal means "bald." It can be used informally to tease someone who is bald or losing hair, but it can also be offensive if not used carefully.
Namard (نامرد)
Namard translates to "unmanly" or "cowardly." It’s a harsh insult used to describe someone who is dishonorable or untrustworthy, often calling into question someone’s character.
Ahdam Nist (آدم نیست)
Ahdam Nist translates to "not human." It’s used to describe someone as inhumane or acting without compassion, similar to calling someone "heartless" or "cold-hearted."
Jigareto Bokhoram (جیگرتو بخورم)
This playful phrase translates to "let me eat your liver," but it’s actually a term of endearment. It’s a way of saying "I adore you" or "you’re so precious." This quirky expression is one of the more unique ways Farsi speakers express affection.
Khak To Saretoon (خاک تو سرتون)
Meaning "dirt on your head," this phrase is used to express disbelief, frustration, or annoyance. While it can be serious, it’s often used informally to exaggerate frustration in a humorous way.
Khol (خل)
Khol means "crazy" or "insane" in Farsi, and it’s used to describe someone who is acting irrationally or erratically. It can be both an insult or a playful jab, depending on the tone and context. It’s similar to calling someone "nuts" or "mad" in English.
Malang (ملنگ)
Malang is a slang word meaning "scatterbrained" or "spaced out." It’s used to describe someone who is acting absent-minded or distracted, much like saying someone is "in a daze."
Bikar (بیکار)
Bikar means "jobless" but is often used to refer to someone who has nothing better to do, implying they are wasting time or are lazy.
Kaseef (کثیف)
Kaseef means "dirty" or "filthy." It’s used as an insult to describe someone as morally corrupt or disgusting in behavior. It can also be used more literally to refer to someone who is physically unclean.