کیری (Kiri)
What does کیری (Kiri) mean? کیری (Kiri) is a Farsi (Persian) strong that translates to “shitty, dickish, crappy” in English.
Literal Translation
dick-like / of the dick
Meaning & Usage
"shitty, dickish, crappy"
The all-purpose adjective form of 'kir' (penis). Anything terrible, worthless, or pathetic can be 'kiri' — a kiri car, a kiri movie, a kiri day. It transforms the penis from a body part into a quality rating system where everything associated with it is garbage. One of the most frequently used adjectives in vulgar Persian.
Examples in the Wild
Said about anything disappointing: 'In film kheili kiri bood' — this movie was really shitty. Used between friends, never in formal settings or around elders.
“چه روز کیریای بود امروز! همه چی گند زد.”
“What a shitty day today was! Everything got messed up.”
“فیلمی که دیشب دیدیم خیلی کیری بود، اصلاً ارزش نداشت.”
“The movie we watched last night was so crappy, it wasn't worth it at all.”
“با این اینترنت کیری، هیچ کاری نمیتونم بکنم!”
“With this dickish internet, I can't do anything!”
“اون استاد واقعاً یه آدم کیریه، هر کی باهاش کلاس داره بدبخته.”
“That professor is really a shitty person, anyone who has a class with him is screwed.”
“وای، این خبر چقدر کیریه! باورم نمیشه همچین اتفاقی افتاده.”
“Wow, how shitty is this news! I can't believe something like this happened.”
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
In daily Persian speech, "kiri" is a go-to adjective for anything that's awful, pathetic, or just plain bad. Think of it as the Farsi equivalent of "shitty" or "crappy," but with a bit more punch due to its anatomical root. Among younger generations, particularly men, its usage is extremely common and has lost much of its initial shock value, often functioning as a casual intensifier. However, older individuals or those in more traditional circles still perceive it as highly vulgar and inappropriate. While more prevalent among male speakers, it's not unheard of for younger women to use it in very informal settings with close friends, highlighting its shift towards a general-purpose expletive rather than a strictly gendered insult. The context in which "kiri" is used dramatically impacts its reception. Uttering it in a formal environment, during a professional meeting, or in front of elders would be considered a major breach of etiquette. Yet, in casual conversations between friends, especially when venting frustration about a situation, it slides in almost effortlessly. Beyond its standalone use, "kiri" is part of a larger family of expressions derived from "kir." While "kiri" describes something as "dick-like" or "shitty," the root "kir" itself is central to phrases like "kiram toosh" (literally "my dick in it," meaning "I don't care" or "fuck it") or "kir khordan" ("to eat dick," meaning to fail or be screwed over), all contributing to a rich, albeit vulgar, tapestry of Persian colloquialisms. One fascinating aspect of "kiri" is how it encapsulates a particular Persian outlook on misfortune. It doesn't just mean "bad"; it often carries a connotation of something being inherently and irredeemably awful, almost predetermined to be a failure or a source of frustration. It's not just a "bad day," it's a "kiri day," implying a profound level of crappiness that is perhaps unavoidable. This transformation of a body part into a universal descriptor for worthlessness speaks volumes about how Persians express exasperation and a certain sardonic acceptance of life's frequent disappointments. It's a verbal shrug that says, "What can you do? It's just 'kiri'."
More in Farsi (Persian) 🇮🇷
View all →کس (Kos)
“cunt, pussy”
The vulgar Persian word for vagina — the root of an enormous profanity family. 'Kos' by itself is crude but it's the derivatives that make it devastating: koskesh (pimp), kos-e naneh (mother's cunt), kos nagu (don't talk shit), kos khol (vagina-brained/idiot). Understanding 'kos' unlocks half of Persian profanity.
بیناموس (Bi nāmus)
“dishonorable, scumbag”
'Nāmus' is one of Persian's most loaded concepts — it means honor, specifically family honor tied to female relatives' chastity and reputation. 'Bi nāmus' (without nāmus) is therefore one of the worst things you can call someone: a man who has failed to protect his family's honor, or worse, doesn't care about it.
بیشرف (Bi sharaf)
“dishonorable, lowlife, scum”
Literally 'without sharaf' (nobility/honor). While similar to 'bi nāmus,' this targets general moral character rather than specifically family-sexual honor. A 'bi sharaf' person is a liar, a cheat, someone who breaks promises — dishonorable in the broader sense. It's a serious insult but less explosive than 'bi nāmus.'
شاشیدن (Shāshidan)
“to piss, to pee”
The vulgar verb for urination. Figuratively, 'shāshidam be X' (I pissed on X) means extreme contempt or disrespect. Less harsh than 'ridan' (shitting) but in the same contempt family. 'Shāsh' (piss) as a noun also means something worthless.
عوضی (Avazi)
“bastard, asshole, wrong'un”
From 'avaz' (exchange/substitute), implying someone who shouldn't exist — a 'replacement' child, a mistake. In modern usage it's simply 'bastard' or 'asshole' without the literal illegitimacy implication. It's one of Persian's most versatile general-purpose insults for someone you despise.
خسیس (Khasis)
“cheapskate, miser, tightwad”
Stingy, miserly — someone who hoards money and refuses to share. In Iranian hospitality culture, being 'khasis' is a character flaw that borders on moral failure. The Arabic-origin word carries weight: it's not just 'careful with money,' it's a fundamental deficiency of generosity that makes someone socially repugnant.
دیوث (Dayoos)
“pimp / scumbag / bastard”
A strong insult implying a man is a pimp, specifically one who pimps his own wife, characterizing him as utterly without honor.
کس ننه (Kos-e Naneh)
“motherfucker / fuck your mother”
A highly offensive term attacking a person's mother directly through crude sexual imagery.