We all know what a weird (and beautiful!) language Maltese is, with its mix of Arabic, Italian, French, and English in one, thanks to the various conquerors we had through time. But man, some variations of Maltese words are so annoying, they’ll make your ears bleed. Here are the crème de la crème of cringes!

1. Sangwic

Oh boy. This is possibly one of the worst ones! For all you non-Maltese readers, it’s sandwich.

2. Xtray

Do you mean X-ray or ash tray? They’re two very different things…

3. Pirmli

This is another popular one that is so ingrained in people’s minds, there’s no going back now! The actual word is pilloli (medical pills).

4. Pitlor/Petlor

“Ha mmur niehu l-petlor!” I don’t know what you’re stuffing in your car, but it’s petrol that she craves.

5. Santa Vendra

Close, but not quite. The town is called Santa V-E-N-E-R-A!

6. Lisptik

*Facepalm* Lipstick in Maltese is just lipstick minus the ‘c.’ There’s no need to switch those letters around!

7. Pigu/Pugu/Bugu

“Rajtu xi xtara Joey? Dahhal Pigu!” Excuse me, what car did Joey get? Ah, PEUGEOT!

8. Nixxi

This is one of the worst for me personally. The actual word is nixtri (buy). The ‘t’ is there for a reason.

9. Ipstar

I don’t even know how to pronounce this word this way. It’s ‘Sptar Mater Dei.’

10. Sinktu

It’s Sindku (mayor)!

Do you have more to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!