10 golden Maltese expressions that you don’t hear much nowadays

Undoubtedly, the Maltese language has changed a lot over the years, with various words and expressions dying out and replaced with more current ones. These expressions are just some lesser known ones that aren’t used as much nowadays.

1. Qisu paladin

This expression is used to describe a tall man, who is well built and attractive. So basically, if you had a crush on someone back in the day, this would be a great compliment you could use.

2. Mibni b’saffejn

Another compliment for the dudes! This expression is used to describe a strong guy who can lift things with utter ease. Kinda like us at the gym... not. #YAS

3. Sabi hazin

Basically, this is a Naughty Ned kind of situation. Sabi hazin was used to describe a naughty boy that was always up to no good.

4. Qisha debba

A tale as old as time: expressions related to girls aren’t as flattering. This one is used to describe a girl who gets around with different guys (or gals), but always has someone’s arms to run into.

5. Wicc Laskri

This one actually stems from a little Maltese history. It refers to Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris who was never seen smiling, so this means that someone has a long face.

6. Zaqqi ma’ dahri

Darba kont zaqqi ma’ dahri, u bil-patata iffurmata! This one refers to someone being very thin to the point that your stomach is so flat, it seems like it’s connected to your back. Many people use it to refer to someone else’s great figure or the fire figure they had back in the day.

7. Qisek zattat

This one’s for all those annoying busy bodies who think they know everything. Qisek zattat describes someone who meddles in things that he or she knows nothing about. We also call that a defsa in Maltese.

8. Qishom il qahba u ruffjana

This is quite the harsh one (the above words literally meaning a whore and a maid) but actually doesn’t mean much. This expression basically means that two people are inseparable.

9. Fula f’qargha

Like a blue moon in English, we’ve got a bean in a gourd (well not literally). It basically means that something that happened is a rare thing or sight to behold.