خاک بر سر (Khāk bar sar)

//xɒːk bæɾ sæɾ//exclamation

What does خاک بر سر (Khāk bar sar) mean? خاک بر سر (Khāk bar sar) is a Farsi (Persian) moderate that translates to “hopeless, pathetic, what a shame” in English.

dirt on the head

01

"hopeless, pathetic, what a shame"

A generalized version of 'khāk bar saret' (already in database) — used as an exclamation about situations rather than directed at a specific person. 'Khāk bar sar-e in zendegi' (dirt on this life's head) expresses existential frustration. It transforms the personal curse into a general expression of despair.

'Khāk bar sar-e in roozgār' — damn this era/times. 'Khāk bar sar' muttered about any frustrating situation. More existential than personal.