The Kuwaiti Dialect: Its Ability to Create Meaning (61)

Words that describe a woman in terms of her beauty, character, and status:

Al-Kareema: The generous one, characterized by kindness, with noble origins and good roots.

Aseela: Of noble lineage and pure origin, loyal to her family and household.

Umm al-Ayal: A mother-wife, in that she has borne children; a title she earns as a mark of respect from her husband and the children she nurtures.

Umm al-Sana’: A managing mother or wife who handles all matters with skill.

Barakat al-Bayt (Blessing of the House): A term applied to a mother, wife, or grandmother, expressing optimism that her presence in the home brings sustenance and blessings.

Bushousha: A smiling woman, with an open face, characterized by generosity.

Bint Hamayil: A woman of high lineage and good character.

Bint al-Rijal: A woman whose actions in situations requiring sound judgment, courage, and good management mirror those of men.

Thaqila: Distant from frivolity and recklessness; characterized by composure, modesty, and dignity.

Jamalaha Rabani: Possessing natural beauty, without affectation or pretense.

Jamal wa Adab: Characterized by beauty and good manners.

Habiba: One who is kind and loving, and whom everyone is fond of; it may also be said as “Habiba” or “Habbaba.”

Hashima: Dignified, modest, and of good character.

Halwat al-Laban: A woman with a good heart and noble origins.

Hayawiya: Characterized by modesty and shyness; also said as “Hayya.”

Rakida: Composure signifies calmness and deliberation in decision-making, and distance from recklessness and haste.

Rahum: Characterized by mercy and gentleness.

Ra’um: Conceals thoughts with mercy.

Al-Zayn Kulluhu (All Beauty): A beautiful woman, complete in both appearance and character.

Dhari’ al-Bayt: Usually applied to the father, as he is the guardian of the household and its protector against the vicissitudes of time; it may also be applied to the mother or wife due to their status and importance to the family.

Dharba: Clever, elegant in appearance and dress, and in what she does.

Dhahiba: Complete in character and disposition, resembling gold.

Dhuq: Her owner has refined taste; she is elegant and sophisticated in her dealings with others.

Rakida: The composed one, of sound mind, and deliberate.

Radd wa Badl: Eloquent in speech, possessing sound judgment.

Sateera: Chaste, preserving the secrets of her home, and characterized by modesty.

Saraya al-Bayt: Meaning “the lamp of the house” due to her status and place in everyone’s hearts; she illuminates the home. It may be applied to a mother, wife, or father.

Samha: Characterized by generosity, gentleness, and forgiveness of faults.

Sana’a: A woman who manages her household affairs, skilled in creating beauty.

Shaghardiya: An active woman, relied upon in all circumstances.

Sham’at al-Bayt (Candle of the House): Illuminates the home with her good morals and disposition.

Sawama Qawama: Devout, possessing virtues and high morals.

Tayyiba: Characterized by kindness and good character.

Tayyibat al-Fal: Optimistic, bringing good omens, goodness, and blessings through her good intentions and optimism.

Aqila: She does not utter anything that contradicts reason and good conduct.

Atfufah: Affectionate, showing compassion to all and enveloping them with mercy.

‘Afifa: Pure, free from flaws; it is also said, “‘Afifat al-Lisan” (pure in speech).

‘Ala Niyatiha: Possessing good intentions and a pure heart that carries goodness.

Ghayya: The word does not derive from “ghaww” (misguidance), but rather denotes extreme beauty, elegance, and attractiveness that draws attention.

Fadha’a: Possessing dazzling beauty, graceful, and soft.

Fatinah: Intelligent, who understands matters quickly and acts with wisdom.

Qit’a: A piece of beauty, or supremely beautiful.

Qamar Munir: In her beauty and grace, she resembles the radiant moon.

Qanua: From contentment and lack of complaint.

Kahilat al-Ayn: Possessing beautiful, naturally dark eyes without the use of kohl.

Labbaqa: From eloquence and good taste.

Luqwa: The woman whom a fortunate person wins, due to her beauty and good management.

Mazyuna: Beautiful and elegant.

Mustura: Chaste and modest.

Milh wa Qubla: Possessing divine attractiveness, beloved by all.

Mamluha: Soft-featured and beautiful in appearance.

Nashima: Generous, possessing nobility, and giving freely of her wealth and resources.

Nadifa: Good-hearted, with good intentions, and excellent in managing her household and those under her care.

Haba Riha: An active woman, eager for goodness, well-managed, and quick to do good.

Hadiya: Of good character, with calm dispositions, and dignified.

Al-Ghaliya: A title used by children or a husband for a mother or grandmother, out of love and respect.

Waliwa: People are fond of her, and she is fond of them, due to her good character.

Dr. Saud Muhammad Al-Asfour