On the 28th of February 2011, one of the most unique and colorful women in Israel passed away. Her name was Netivah Ben Yehudah- נתיבה בן יהודה. She was called the Blond Genie – השדה הבלונדינית which referred to her distinguished history as a commander in the Palmach, the defense force that existed before Israel was established in 1948. More information about her fascinating life will be discussed at another time.

In 1972, with the help of a famous and provocative journalist, Dan Ben Amotz, she published the Hebrew dictionary of Slang. Today we will learn Hebrew slang that uses the word “not”- לֹא .

When you see a bad movie or you’re being asked how you are and you answer – “lo kol Kach”- לֹא כָּל כָּךְ- the meaning is that things are not good, some might even say the situation isn’t good at all.

Then there’s the expression that we still often use today about someone who speaks without really knowing what they’re talking about. This person will be described as – “lo yode’a me-harosh shelo”- לא יודע מהראש שלו. This expression can be used also to describe a confused person.

If you are having a disagreement with your friends or with your spouse, but you know that in the end you will both compromise for the sake of peace, you would say in Hebrew- “lo nelech larav”-לא נלך לרב. The literal meaning is that we won’t go to the rabbi to petition for a divorce.

We all feel frightened sometimes when we need to speak to someone in authority, for example, a high school principal or our boss at work. For these sorts of intimidating people, Netivah and Dan invented the expression- “lo noshech”- לא נושך- meaning that he/she won’t bite.

Another expression using the word “lo” that has become more popular is most likely a translation of an English expression. The phrase is “I am not buying it”- “lo koneh et zeh”- לא קונה את זה. The meaning is that you simply can’t accept what another person is saying.

If you wish to learn more Hebrew slang about a specific topic, you are more than welcome to write us and leave us a comment!

Have a great week,

Iris