The Arabic words that have made their way into London slang from alhamdulillah to mashallah

London: You might have noticed some new words popping up in the slang around town. If you’re trying to keep up with what the kids are saying, you’re not alone. It can feel like a whole new language sometimes!

Believe it or not, some of these trendy terms actually come from Arabic. They’re making their way into everyday conversations, and many have roots in Islamic culture.

Take “wallahi,” for instance. It means “by Allah” and is used to emphasize truthfulness, kind of like saying “I swear.” It’s become super popular, especially among the Somali community.

Then there’s “alhamdulillah,” which means “praise be to God.” You might have heard it from Khabib Nurmagomedov after his fights. Even football star Erling Haaland has picked it up!

“Akhi” means “my brother” and has been embraced by non-Muslims too, thanks to its use in London’s rap scene. It’s a nice way to show camaraderie.

“Khalas” means “enough” and is catching on in everyday speech. You might hear it when someone wants to wrap up a conversation or situation.

“Astaghfirullah” translates to “I seek forgiveness from Allah.” It’s often used in music, especially in rap, when someone feels they’ve messed up.

“Inshallah” means “God willing” and is used when making plans. It’s a reminder that things are ultimately out of our control.

“Mashallah” is another popular term, meaning “whatever God has willed.” It’s often said to appreciate something good and ward off jealousy.

Words like “wallad” and “bint” are also making their rounds. “Wallad” means “boy” but can also mean “idiot” in some contexts. “Bint” means “girl” but is often used derogatorily.

Lastly, “halal” and “haram” are terms that have become part of the London lexicon, especially regarding food and lifestyle choices. They’re used so much that even non-Muslims are familiar with them.