Every Maltese kid knows that getting on the wrong side of our parents was never a good idea. But, we did it anyway. Then came the all-too-familiar phrases that we’ve heard at least once in our lifetime. Here are 12 things Maltese parents said that would scare the BEJESUS out of us.

1. ‘Aqtaghha, ghax ha ncempel lis-sorijiet’

Translation: ‘Cut it out or I’m calling the sisters!’

Oh, the sisters were such a common threat. Maltese parents would threaten their kids with calling the nearest convent so that the sisters would come and collect the naughty kids in a van. Some parents even went as far as driving their kids to the convent. #WehlusSorijiet

2. ‘Jekk taqa’, nkompli ntik’

Translation: ‘If you trip, I’ll beat you.’

This is the point where you know you should reeeaaally pay attention to where you’re walking because, apparently, them not hearing you whine is more important than you not getting hurt. #Savage

3. ‘Issa tara x’inhu gej ghalik...’

Translation: ‘Oh, you’ll see what’s heading your way...’

Oops...we’re pissing them off, their temper is rising and their patience is wearing thin. This would probably result in no TV for a week, or no dessert, or being grounded.

4. ‘Ingib ic-cintorin?!’

Translation: ‘Shall I get the belt?!’

Threatening with a belt whoop ass was enough to send us scramming back to our rooms, boarding the door and hoping for the best.

5. ‘Issa nghid lil missierek’

Translation: ‘Wait till your father hears this.’

Yeesh – mum (or even nanna) would threaten us with telling Dad about our rotten behaviour. That would put us in our place – for a while at least.

6. ‘Jekk tirrametti, bl-imgharfa ngieghlek tieklu!’

Translation (literally, because honestly, there’s no diplomatic way of putting this): ‘Vomit and you’ll eat it with a spoon.’

I don’t even know how to go about this one and I’m personally glad I never got to endure this.

7. ‘X’taghmeeel?!’

Translation: ‘What do you think you’ll do?!’

This one was whipped out when we suggested something a little outrageous, for example, heading to a party and staying out till 6am. Big nono to them so the ‘x’taghmeeel?!’ comes out.

8. ‘Aqtaghha ghax nifqak!’

Translation: ‘Cut it out ‘cos I’ll kill you’

You know shit is about to go down and they’ve really had it when this phrase is used. Maybe it’s time to tone it down a little...

9. ‘Issa nqieghdek...’

Translation: ‘You have no idea what’s coming your way.’

They really didn’t like what you did. They’re bringing out the parent card – your ass is SO grounded.

10. ‘Fejn hi dik l-imarqa mgharfa...?’

Translation: ‘Where’s that damn wooden spoon...?’

Oh boy, the wooden spoon. You wouldn’t want an encounter with one of your mama’s spoons.

11. THE look

One look is all we needed to know that if we’re going to cross that line, we’ll be in deeeep trouble. And sometimes, it just wasn’t worth it.

12. ‘Tqazziznix ghax wiccek in-naha l-ohra indawwarulek!’

Translation: ‘Piss me off and I’ll slap the shit out of you’

Lawd have mercy.

BONUS: 'Tqabbizlix l-o**** ghax nahseb m’A*** ha nghollik!'

Literal translation: Don’t jump the holy host coz I think I will raise you with God

I’ll leave this up to your imagination. #IfYouKnowYouKnow

Which ones bring back all the memories?