Meaning
To deceive, trick, or make a fool of people, often with cunning and mockery.
Cultural Background
The beard is a symbol of 'Muru'a' (chivalry). Mocking it is a direct hit to a man's social standing. Egyptians use this phrase frequently in political satire and 'Musalsalat' (TV dramas) to highlight corruption. In Lebanon and Syria, the phrase is used to describe 'empty talk' (حكي فاضي) from officials. In the Gulf, honesty in trade is highly valued; 'laughing at chins' is a serious accusation of bad faith.
Use with Sarcasm
This phrase works best when delivered with a slightly cynical or sarcastic tone. It shows you are 'street smart'.
Not for Friends
Don't use this with close friends unless they have actually done something dishonest. It's too strong for a simple joke.
Meaning
To deceive, trick, or make a fool of people, often with cunning and mockery.
Use with Sarcasm
This phrase works best when delivered with a slightly cynical or sarcastic tone. It shows you are 'street smart'.
Not for Friends
Don't use this with close friends unless they have actually done something dishonest. It's too strong for a simple joke.
The Plural Matters
Using 'Dhuqun' (plural) makes the deception sound like a widespread social issue, which is very common in Arabic media.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and word.
لا تصدق وعودهم، إنهم يضحكون ___ ذقون الناس.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'على'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'الضحك على الذقون'?
أي موقف يناسب هذا التعبير؟
The idiom refers to deception and fraud, not literal laughing or shaving.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate response.
أحمد: 'قال لي الموظف إن المعاملة ستنتهي غداً، لكنه يقول ذلك كل أسبوع!' خالد: '_________'
Khaled is pointing out that the employee is stalling and fooling Ahmed.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
صل الجملة بمعناها:
Each 'laugh' phrase has a distinct meaning in Arabic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلا تصدق وعودهم، إنهم يضحكون ___ ذقون الناس.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'على'.
أي موقف يناسب هذا التعبير؟
The idiom refers to deception and fraud, not literal laughing or shaving.
أحمد: 'قال لي الموظف إن المعاملة ستنتهي غداً، لكنه يقول ذلك كل أسبوع!' خالد: '_________'
Khaled is pointing out that the employee is stalling and fooling Ahmed.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each 'laugh' phrase has a distinct meaning in Arabic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is not a swear word, but it is an accusation of lying. Use it when you are prepared for a serious conversation.
Yes, even though women don't have beards, the idiom is used for everyone. It means 'fooling people' regardless of gender.
In Egypt, people say 'بيشتغلني' (He's working me) or 'بيضحك عليّ' (He's laughing at me).
No, it can be about emotions, time, or political promises. Any deception counts.
Because the chin/beard was the symbol of dignity. Mocking the beard was the ultimate sign of disrespect.
Related Phrases
نصب عليه
synonymTo scam someone.
استغفل
similarTo take advantage of someone's unawareness.
باع له الوهم
builds onTo sell someone an illusion.
ضحك في وجهه
contrastTo smile/laugh in someone's face (friendly).
