وإذا أشار محدنا فكأنه قرد يقهقه أو عجوزُ تَلْطِم

Arabic1 lines1 public analyses
Original Poetry
Translation
وإذا أشار محدنا فكأنه قرد يقهقه أو عجوزُ تَلْطِم
And when one of us gestures, it is as if he is a laughing monkey or an old woman slapping her face.
 

Explanation

This line of poetry uses vivid similes to convey a negative impression of a person's behavior. The poet compares the person's gestures to that of a laughing monkey and an old woman slapping her face, both of which are intended to evoke images of ridicule and unattractiveness. The use of these similes suggests that the person being described is seen as foolish or lacking dignity. This kind of imagery is typical in classical Arabic poetry, where poets often used detailed and sometimes harsh comparisons to express their views on human behavior and character.

Word Dictionary9

WordIn ArabicIn EnglishPron.
وإذاحينماwhenwa-idha
أشارلوحgesturedashara
محدناشخص مناone of usmuhaddana
فكأنهمثلas if he isfa-ka-annahu
قردقردmonkeyqird
يقهقهيضحك بصوت عاليlaughing loudlyyaqhaqihu
أوأمoraw
عجوزامرأة كبيرة في السنold womanajooz
تلطمتصفعslappingtaltim

Poet & Context

Poet
EraClassical Arabic Poetry

This line is often attributed to classical Arabic poetry, a form that has been a significant part of Arabic literature since pre-Islamic times. Classical poetry is characterized by its strict adherence to meter and rhyme.

View on Wikipedia
WhenClassical Era
WhyThis line uses simile to describe someone in a derogatory manner, likening their gestures to a laughing monkey or an old woman slapping her face, highlighting the poet's disdain.
FormClassical Arabic Poetry

Themes & More

RidiculeHuman BehaviorSimile
Simile: The poem uses similes to compare a person's gestures to a laughing monkey and an old woman slapping her face.Imagery: Vivid images are created to evoke a sense of ridicule and unattractiveness.
وإذا أشار محدنا فكأنه قرد يقهقه أو عجوزُ تَلْطِم by Unknown poet — Poem, Translation & Meaning