I’ve always loved throwing Sababa into conversations. It is a fantastic Israeli slang word similar to “cool” or “great” in English, one of the many Arab words that have been adopted by Hebrew-speaking Israelis. Let’s be real, it has a way nicer vibe than just saying “cool.”
Like several other words, the meaning in Hebrew and Urdu is the same, as both languages are related to Arabic. But where did sababa originate, and is it still used the same today? Read on to find out all about this great word!
Where Did the Word Sababa Originate From?
The term “sababa” has its roots in the Arabic word “tzababa,” which translates to “great” or “excellent.” Additionally, in the Quran, “sababa” signifies a deep love or intense longing. While Israelis and other peoples have claimed sababa and evolved it to personal taste, it’s never drifted away from being something positive. Hebrew speakers began using “sababa” in the 1980s, and today, it is one of the most prevalent slang terms in Israel.
Sometimes Israelis say “sababi” instead of sababa. Or they add “ush” to the end of the word—”sababush”—which is like the English addition of “ee” or “ey” on the end of words to make them sound sweeter. Saying sababush is like saying “cutie” or “sweetie-pie.”
How Is Sababa Used in Modern Hebrew?
Sababa has expanded to have multiple meanings. It can serve both as a descriptive adjective for a person or thing, and as a word of affirmation.
“Sababa” has evolved to encompass various uses. It can function as an adjective to describe a person or thing, and also serves as a term of agreement or affirmation.
To show agreement
“So we’ll go to the beach now?”
“Sababa.”
To express that you’re okay with something or willing to go along with it, similar to saying “whatever” or “that’s fine with me.”
“Are you in the mood for shawarma?”
“Sababa.”
To indicate that you understand and accept what someone has said.
I apologize if I upset you; are we good?
“Sababa.”
To replace the word “cool”
“People kept saying how sababa you are, and they were absolutely right!”
To describe a person or thing as easygoing and approachable.
“The flea market was so sababa.”
The Hebrew slang term is often featured in phrases like “Aba sababa” or “Cool Dad,” which you might find printed on quirky coffee mugs.
Bassa Sababa
Outside of Israel, you might have heard sababa in the song Bassa Sababa by the Eurovision winner, Israeli singer Netta. The song uses two Hebrew slang words, both with their roots in Arabic. Bassa is literally the opposite of sababa. When something is annoying or disappointing, we say “bassa.”
The song was inspired by the Hebrew saying, “Lakahat ha-bassa ba sababa,” which means take the bad stuff positively or be cool about accepting the bad stuff in life.
Having read this post, you should now understand exactly what sababa means and know the appropriate times to use it in conversation when you visit the beautiful country of Israel.
