Rûreş
What does Rûreş mean? Rûreş is a Kurdish strong that translates to “disgraced / shamed / dishonored” in English.
Literal Translation
black-faced
Meaning & Usage
"disgraced / shamed / dishonored"
Someone who has brought profound shame upon themselves and their family.
Examples in the Wild
Describing someone who fled a battle or betrayed their kin: 'Ew rûreş e.'
Regional Variations
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
A deeply poetic and historic concept. In Kurdish culture, 'white-faced' (rûspî) means to be honorable, respected, and pure. Therefore, 'black-faced' means you have committed an act so shameful (cowardice, betrayal, sexual misconduct) that your face is permanently stained. It is a terrible social indictment.
More in Kurdish 🇮🇶
View all →خوشک حیز (Xwîşk hîz)
“sister-fucker / your sister is a whore”
An insult implying the listener's sister is profoundly promiscuous or a prostitute.
Kero / Kerê
“jackass / idiot / stubborn fool”
Calling someone a donkey to highlight their stupidity or immense stubbornness.
کوڕی سەگ (Kurrî seg)
“son of a bitch / bastard”
The Sorani equivalent of 'son of a dog', carrying identical cultural weight.
Qûnek
“faggot / passive gay”
The Kurmanji equivalent to Sorani's 'Qûneder', signifying a passive homosexual male.
سۆزانی (sozani)
“bitch / whore”
Severe insult targeting women's sexual morality.
قووزی دایکت (Qûzî daykit)
“motherfucker”
The exact Sorani parallel to 'Kûzê diya te'.
خوێڕی (Xwêrî)
“useless scum / vagabond / lowlife”
A person completely lacking in value, productivity, or social standing; a vagrant or rascal.
Pîç / پێچ (Pîç)
“bastard / little shit”
A bastard. Depending on context, a severe insult regarding illegitimacy or a playful term for a mischievous kid.