Definition: You can say this to someone eating, kind of like "I hope you choke on it!" اطفح means "Eat," but it’s not a nice word and is often used in reference to sewage. So the phrase means something like “Eat burning poison.”
Okay, let's break down the Arabic phrase ":اطفح بسمّ الهاري. (iTfaH be-somm el-haari)" based on your provided context.
Here’s a detailed explanation:
اطفح (iTfaH):
You correctly identified this as meaning "Eat." However, crucially, you also pointed out its negative connotation – it's associated with sewage and waste. This is the key to understanding the overall intent of the phrase.
بِسّم (be-somm):
This translates to “with” or “by the means of.” It’s used here to connect the next word to "iTfaH."
الهاري (el-haari):
This is a specific, and frankly quite harsh, term. You've rightly linked it to "burning poison" – it refers to a type of poisonous snake,
Echis carinatus
, commonly known as the horned viper or corn snake. It’s notorious for its potent venom.
Therefore, the complete phrase ":اطفح بسمّ الهاري. (iTfaH be-somm el-haari)" translates literally to something like "Eat burning poison."
Meaning and Context:
As you described, this is a highly offensive expression used to wish someone choking or suffering intensely while eating. It’s far more than just saying “I hope you choke.” The inclusion of "be-somm el-haari" (with the venom of the horned viper) elevates it to a deeply threatening and malicious statement. It's an incredibly cruel way to express disgust or anger towards someone's eating habits, implying they are consuming something harmful and unpleasant.
Important Note:
This phrase is extremely offensive and should
never
be used. It’s rooted in a violent image and carries significant emotional weight.
Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this definition, such as:
The cultural significance of the horned viper?
Why this expression is considered so taboo?