Malta’s Profanity Gets a Dictionary Entry
Malta’s Profanity Gets a Dictionary Entry
Imagine this: you’re walking down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling heart, and you hear a local exclaim, “Boh, għajnejk!” You might raise an eyebrow, but now, thanks to the National Dictionary of the Maltese Language, you can officially look it up. Yes, you read that right. Malta’s dirtiest words have made it into the national dictionary.
From the Streets to the Pages
The National Dictionary, a comprehensive collection of Maltese words and phrases, has traditionally been a beacon of linguistic purity. But times are changing, and so is the dictionary. In its latest edition, it’s breaking taboos and including words that were once considered too vulgar for print. Why the shift? According to Dr. Antonella Gauci, the dictionary’s editor-in-chief, it’s about reflecting the language as it’s spoken today.
“The dictionary is a snapshot of the Maltese language at a particular point in time,” she explains. “It’s our duty to include words that are commonly used, regardless of their origin or connotation.”
Malta’s New Dictionary Dossier
So, what’s made the cut? From the colourful to the crude, here are a few new entries:
- Boh – An exclamation of surprise or disbelief. Example: “Boh, Malta won the Eurovision!”
- Għajnejk – A vulgar term of address, often used in anger or frustration. Example: “Għajnejk, you’re always late!”
- X’sejħ – An exclamation of disgust or contempt. Example: “X’sejħ, that’s disgusting!”
These words, once whispered or muttered under the breath, are now part of Malta’s linguistic heritage, preserved for future generations.
