The Kuwaiti Dialect: Its Ability to Create Meaning (57)
Words and phrases used on various occasions:
On Eid: One says, “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid). The response is, “May you be among those who return [to the joy of Eid] and among those who succeed.” Sometimes the word “and those who attain victory” is added. The phrase “May your days be happy” may also be appended. One may also say, “May Allah accept your worship,” a phrase that has been added more recently.
On weddings: One says, “Congratulations” (literally: “With blessing”) or “Double congratulations.” More recently, one might add: “May Allah bless you and bless you, and unite you in goodness.” The response is, “May Allah reward you with good,” or “Congratulations to you,” or “Congratulations to so-and-so.”
During the month of Ramadan: One says, “May Allah accept your worship” or “May the month be blessed upon you.” The response is, “May Allah reward you with good,” and sometimes, “Our worship and your worship.”
On the birth of a new baby: One says, “Congratulations to you,” or “May Allah make him among the righteous offspring,” or “Double congratulations.”
On moving into a new home: One says, “A blessed home.” The response is, “May Allah reward you with good.”
On buying a new car: One says, “Congratulations” or “May Allah bless it.” Sometimes it is added: “May you drive it to safety.” The response is, “May Allah reward you with good.”
On wearing new clothes: One says, “Wear it in health.” The response is, “May Allah reward you with good.”
On achieving success: One says, “Congratulations,” “You deserve it,” and “Onward and upward.” The response is, “May Allah bless you,” or “May Allah reward you with good.”
Upon assuming a new position: One says, “Congratulations,” “You deserve it,” “Onward and upward,” “You are worthy of it,” and “You deserve more.” The response is, “May Allah bless you,” or “May Allah reward you with good.”
When traveling: One says, “Safe travels.” The response is, “May Allah keep you safe.” Sometimes it is added: “Take care of yourself.”
Upon returning from travel: One says, “Praise be to Allah for your safe return.” The response is, “May Allah keep you safe.”
When it rains: One says, “Rain of goodness,” “The clouds have opened,” “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,” “May Allah increase and bless,” and “O Allah, around us and not upon us.”
In the event of a car accident: One says, “Safe,” or “Praise be to Allah for your safety.” Sometimes it is added: “Better the iron than you,” or “Compensation is better.” The response is, “May Allah keep you safe,” or “May Allah reward you with good.”
During illness: One says, “Safe,” “Reward and health,” and “May you see no harm.” The response is, “May Allah reward you with good.”
In condolences: One says, “May Allah magnify your reward.” This may be followed by, “May Allah forgive your deceased.” One may also say, “May his abode be Paradise,” or “May the loss be upon me.” The response is, “Our reward and your reward,” or “May Allah reward you with good.”
Dr. Saud Muhammad Al-Asfour
