Don’t let words get in the way

I wish I could say that my Hebrew has improved by leaps and bounds, but it hasn’t.

But it’s really ok. Because I’ve decided there are some things that I can never say anyway. These words, due to my accent and my origin, are permanently off limits to me. In my opinion.

They include:

• ברור (baroor, usually said as “barrroooooorrrrr”) — This is used to mean “of course” or “clearly.” Because of the double resh and my inability to roll it, I refuse to use this word except in a joking way and only to Taxman. At night. When the dog is already asleep. (She’s native-born.)
• וואלה (walla) — Means “great” and is sometimes used as a greeting. I have to imagine it’s from Arabic. It would make me sound like an idiot. Pass.
• יו (yo) — Used as an exclamation, but not only as a greeting (as it would be in English); sort of like “Whoa!” in Joey Lawrence sense. (Although they say this on Srugim, and it is not like Joey Lawrence.) AM picked this up from gan. It’s hysterical. I could never get away with it. Because I’m neither a sabra nor a 5-year-old imp who plays a lot of pick-up sticks.
• אחלה (achla) — Also means “great” or “super.” I just can’t. I don’t know. It feels fake. But I don’t even say “yofi.” I prefer “metzuyan.” I have no idea why.

Stay tuned for Hebrew slang I do say. Sometimes. (I honestly don’t have the chance that much, except in a self-mocking way when I go out for coffee with my Anglo friends.)

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