How 'Habibi' Became Cool in a Country Suspicious of Arabs
Summary
Abdul El-Sayed used the Arabic word “habibi,” meaning “my dear” or “my beloved,” while addressing Vice President JD Vance at a Detroit victory celebration. The remark spread online as a political joke, and El-Sayed’s campaign messaging later used the word on T-shirts and for a fundraising committee.Key Facts
- El-Sayed addressed Vance as “habibi” during his Detroit victory celebration.
- In everyday Arabic, “habibi” can express affection, familiarity or gentle mockery.
- Clips of El-Sayed’s remark circulated online alongside Arabic music and memes.
- Campaign T-shirts promoted El-Sayed with the slogan “Habibi for Abdul.”
- El-Sayed later named a fundraising committee Habibi PAC.
- University of Colorado Boulder Arabic program coordinator Mona Farrag Attwa said the remark’s delivery and context helped it appeal to audiences unfamiliar with Arabic.
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