The unique slang of the Navajo language

Jaa’ii! Are you listening?

Despite literally meaning “ears” in the Navajo language, jaa’ii refers to someone who hears but isn’t actively listening.

That’s one of many colloquial terms unique to the Navajo language. Like every language, Navajo has its own grammar and vocabulary, including slang.

Navajo slang is less about creating new words or shortening existing ones, like “rizz” or “cap” in English. Rather, Navajo slang largely focuses on figures of speech or idioms, primarily through the double meanings in words.

“To me, when I think of our slang, it’s just like words that mean something but they connotate something else,” said University of New Mexico student Devin Lansing.

That’s true of the word “jaa’ii.” Similarly, the word “nizéé’” — which means your mouth — can be used as a command for someone to stop talking. The word “naa’ii” — which means eyes — can be used to refer to someone who seemingly can’t see.

“It’s right here, sitting right here, and you can’t even see it under your nose,” explained Lorraine Begay Manavi, a Navajo language instructor at UNM.

Another term involving a body part is the word “la’ii” — meaning hands — which can also be used like the English phrase “butterfingers.” These words all take on a sarcastic connotation, and the slang term lies in their double meaning.

Navajo slang also includes exclamations, which can be difficult to define. One example is “wah,” which can be used to express disappointment or strong emotions.

UNM student Kaori John uses it for disappointment, “like if somebody (says) ‘Oh I can’t hang out,’ (I say) ‘wah.’”

Another exclamation is the word “jiní.” This word literally means “they said” but situationally can be used in several ways.

Lansing usually uses it for gossip, like when others say something Lansing didn’t hear, “but someone said it, so I say it now.”

There are also slang terms that function more like English idioms. For example, “akágí” translates directly to skin, but it can be used in conversation to reference a person’s significant other, like a wife.

Manavi explained it as a partner being someone’s “second skin.”

Additionally, there is Navajo slang that acts similar to English swear words.

“It refers to something very evil or very harsh,” said Manavi.

The majority of these words contain the term “ch’íidii,” which roughly translates to a ghost or something demonic. For example, “ch’íidiísh ní” could equate to “what the devil?” but carries much more weight than does the translation into English.

“My mom said it’s really bad — evil, devilish,” said UNM student Yazzmine Lee. “She was put off by it.”