بێ نامووس (Bê namûs)

bɛː naːˈmuːshonor culture, moral judgment, sorani

What does بێ نامووس (Bê namûs) mean? بێ نامووس (Bê namûs) is a Kurdish severe that translates to “shameless bastard / dishonorable scum” in English.

without honor / without modesty

01

"shameless bastard / dishonorable scum"

A person who lacks the fundamental moral compass of honor, modesty, and family loyalty.

Used against a man who abandons his family or fails to protect his sisters.

Sorani
Kurmanji (Bênamus)

Context

  • Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
  • Only among very close friends who share this register

Avoid

  • Professional or formal settings
  • Around elders or authority figures
  • Public spaces — will cause genuine offense
  • Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations

Cultural Context

This strikes directly at the heart of Kurdish social fabric. 'Namus' is a highly specific form of honor linked strictly to familial purity and moral boundaries. A man without 'namus' will not defend his family, will lie, cheat, and allow his household to fall into disrepute. It's a social excommunication wrapped in a single word.

More in Kurdish 🇮🇶

View all →