Glossary entry

Arabic term or phrase:

غريب الأطوار

English translation:

odd/peculiar fellow

Added to glossary by Lamine Boukabour
Jun 25, 2023 14:34
11 mos ago
21 viewers *
Arabic term

غريب الأطوار

Arabic to English Art/Literary Poetry & Literature
Hi everyone,

This is from an Iraqi text.

Does it mean creepy or odd? Or more just like a strange man? I'm trying to figure out how negative it is to say this about someone.

ليس لدينا أقارب أو أصدقاء في هذا البلد، سوى أحد معارف أبي، وهو رجل هزيل البنية وغريب الأطوار.

Thanks!
Change log

Jun 28, 2023 19:58: Lamine Boukabour Created KOG entry

Proposed translations

1 hr
Arabic term (edited): شخص غريب الأطوار
Selected

odd/peculiar fellow

Odd: This is a straightforward and neutral term that simply describes someone as unusual or different. For example, "He's an odd fellow with eccentric habits."

Peculiar: This word describes something or someone that is strange, unusual, or peculiar in a distinct way. It often implies a sense of distinctiveness or oddity. For example, "She has a peculiar way of speaking that makes her stand out."


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3 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thanks!"
2 mins

Weird

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Note added at 4 mins (2023-06-25 14:38:57 GMT)
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Creepy might include fear and weirdness. So, it's not a good option
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6 mins

an odd duck / a weirdo

Odd Duck: An unusual person, especially an individual with an idiosyncratic personality or peculiar behavioral characteristics
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/odd_duck

Weirdo: a person who is extraordinarily strange or eccentric
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weirdo
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+2
9 mins

eccentric

The term "غريب الأطوار" in Arabic can be translated as "eccentric" or "peculiar." It is used to describe someone who has unconventional or odd behaviors, habits, or mannerisms. While it does indicate strangeness, it doesn't necessarily carry a strongly negative connotation. It implies that the person has unique or unusual traits that set them apart from others.

In the context of the sentence you provided, it describes the physical appearance of a man who is thin and has peculiar or eccentric ways. It doesn't necessarily imply that he is creepy or negative, but rather highlights his distinctiveness or quirkiness.

So, the sentence would be translated as:

"We don't have any relatives or friends in this country, except for one of my father's acquaintances, who is a thin man and eccentric."
Or
In this country, apart from one of my father's acquaintances, who is a thin and eccentric man, we have no relatives or friends.
Note from asker:
This is very helpful! Thank you for going into such depth. I really appreciate it.
Peer comment(s):

agree Mahmoud Elsayed
1 hr
Thanks, Mahmoud
agree Youssef Chabat : Took time to explain all that. Highly appreciated!
3 hrs
Thank you Mr. Youssef
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2 hrs

crank (informal)/eccentric (formal)

crank1 / kræŋk / noun [count]
1 INFORMAL someone whose ideas or behavior are very strange
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