Starfoullah or astaghfirullah: what does this expression mean?
“Starfoullah” is a popular expression, used in French slang to express astonishment or amazement at something shocking, as explained in Doctissimo.
Starfoullah or astaghfirullah: what is the origin of this expression?
Originally, the term “Starfoullah” comes from the corruption of “Astaghfirullah”, an Arabic expression that literally means “I ask Allah for forgiveness”, or “may God forgive me” in a religious context, to express repentance. However, as it became part of the French language, this expression completely evolved, losing its original meaning.
Starfoullah or astaghfirullah: when to use this expression?
The use of the phrase “Starfoullah” usually occurs in moments of surprise, dismay, or when something unpleasant happens. It is a way of reacting to an unexpected or disconcerting situation.
Here are a few scenarios:
- “Starfoullah, I forgot to do my homework, it’s going to be a mess.” To express surprise at a particular situation, in this case, having forgotten to do one’s homework and fear of the possible consequences of this forgetfulness.
- “Starfoullah, this restaurant is filthy from crade”: To express one’s disgust by discovering a particularly unsanitary restaurant, where hygiene is lacking.
- “Starfoullah, the weather forecast calls for rain for the weekend, it sucks!”: To express annoyance or dissatisfaction with the forecast of rain for the weekend and the repercussions it will have on planned projects.
- “Starfoullah, this teacher is really boring with his surprise tests.”: To express dismay at a teacher who tends to give surprise tests on a frequent basis.
How do you write starfoullah?
Although it is better known as “Starfoullah”, there are other ways to spell it such as “starfallah”, “starfAllah”, “starfirallah”, “starf’Allah”, “starferlah” or “starfoulah”. These variations come mainly from the way you transform an Arabic word using the Latin alphabet, and of course, the way you pronounce it.
Other Teens’ Language Expressions and Their Meanings
“Miskine”
As Le Figaro explains, the expression Miskine is used to express mockery or pity. Taken from the Arabic miskīn which means “poor”, it has more or less kept its original meaning by integrating the French language. “Miskine” is often used to express contempt for someone who is described as pitiful or pathetic: “Hey, did you see that guy, miskine, he talks about it too much. He thinks he’s at the top, but in reality, he’s pitiful” or to express compassion: “It’s serious what he’s been through, miskine. I feel sorry for him. “Miski” is also the origin of the French word “mesquin” which means, according to the Le Robert dictionary, “Who is attached to what is small, mediocre; who lacks generosity.”
“Mashallah”
“Mashallah” is an expression of Arabic origin, commonly used to express admiration or wonder at something positive. Literally translated, it means “What Allah has willed”, “according to the will of Allah” or “please Allah”. (“Allah” being the Arabic word for God).
“Fresh”
“Look at this guy, his look is really fresh.”
In this sentence, the term “cool” does not refer to the temperature, but rather conveys your satisfaction with a situation, as TF1 explains. In this example, it refers to a feeling of freshness and originality, and implies that the man’s look is cool, stylish.
“Habibi”
“Habibi” is an expression of Arabic origin, used to signify affection and closeness between individuals. Literally translated as “my darling” or “my love”, this term is also used in a friendly way between relatives to mean “my friend”.
FAQ
What does hamdulilah mean?
“Hamdulilah” (Al-ḥamdu lillāh) is an expression of Arabic origin, which literally translates as “Praise be to Allah” or “Praise be to God”. In everyday language in France, this term, also known as “Hamdulah” is used to express relief, gratitude or satisfaction in the face of a favorable situationor to signify that everything is fine, even in difficult situations: “Hamdulah, it’s okay.”
What is the meaning of wallah?
“Wallah” is an expression of Arabic origin. Traditionally, this term means “by Allah” or “by God”. In the context of French slang, Wallah is often used to assert the truth of a statement, without necessarily referring to the divine.
What does reuf mean?
“Reuf” is simply the inversion of the word “brother” in Verlan. It also means my friend.
