حیز (Hîz)

hiːzhomophobic slur, gendered, sorani

What does حیز (Hîz) mean? حیز (Hîz) is a Kurdish severe that translates to “faggot / whore / pussy” in English.

faggot / prostitute / coward

01

"faggot / whore / pussy"

Depending on context and gender, it means a promiscuous woman, a gay man, or a deeply cowardly man.

Screamed during a massive brawl at someone who refuses to fight: 'Were derewe, Hîz!' (Come outside, coward!)

Sorani regions

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

One of the most heavily loaded single words in Sorani Kurdish. When applied to a woman, it means she is a prostitute or lacks 'namus' (honor). When applied to a man, it strips him of his masculinity, either calling him gay (highly taboo in the culture) or calling him incredibly weak and cowardly. Due to the intense patriarchal honor culture, 'Hîz' is devastating.

More in Kurdish 🇮🇶

View all →