The Maltese language is a fusion of Arabic, Italian, French and English, and while we have quite the extensive dictionary on file, we also have a bunch of words that can mean anything and everything. Sit down, grab your popcorn, and check out the ways to express yourself like a true local.

1. Uwejja

The first on our list is a common one and is basically translated as “as if!” but then again, we do use the phrase “uwejja, as if!” when something is THAT shocking. #Emphasis

2. Mela!

Mela is one of those that cause mind-fudgery for non-Maltese-speaking peeps. It has WAY too many meanings and honestly, we’re not even sure half the time why we use it. But, it’s there!

3. Ta

Another one that no one knows the meaning of. We just guess it’s just to put even more emphasis on what you’re feeling. You know, since we are #dramaqueens.

4. Ruhi

A famous one is God Bless, Ruhi! It’s mostly used when somebody looking FINE passes by and you cannot help but stare.

5. Madonna, Madonna NO!

Ever since that video during a wack tornado in Mellieha went viral, we simply cannot get this phrase out of our minds – and mouths. Be it IRL or when fooling around, this is a popular one to use.

6. Uxe!

Uxe is used when we cannot believe our ears and are totally #shooketh by what just happened. And let’s face it, there’s always something shook-worthy happening on our islands, so this one is used quite a bit.

7. Uwajma…

And then there’s uwajma. This one is also used when we cannot believe what’s happening, but usually when it’s something absolutely ridonculous.

8. Relaxed hassa, man!

This one basically means uber relaxed. A hassa is a lettuce so how that relates to being relaxed we have no idea. Guess it’s on the same lines as ‘cool as a cucumber’ in English.

9. Illamilajs

We have no idea where this originated from, but it always cracks us up when someone pulls out an illamilajs to react to something that was said.

10. Insomma…

This one’s a great little wild card to keep up your sleeve. When you’re in a situated that gets awks or you run out of small talk with a person, slip this puppy right in and make your exit.