Meaning
To be completely indifferent or unaffected by a situation or criticism.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Be-khiali' (being without care) is often celebrated in Persian tea-house culture as a way to survive political and economic instability. This idiom is a linguistic tool for that survival mechanism. In Tehran, this idiom is often paired with a shrug. It’s a sign of 'coolness' among youth to show that social pressure doesn't affect them. While the idiom itself is folk-based, the theme of 'not being moved by the world' is a core Sufi tenet. However, the 'flea' version is the more 'down-to-earth' cousin of those high-minded concepts.
Use 'Ham' for impact
Adding 'ham' (ککش هم نگزید) makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It adds that 'not even' emphasis.
Watch your tone
If you say this about a superior, it might sound like you're calling them irresponsible. Use with caution in the workplace.
Meaning
To be completely indifferent or unaffected by a situation or criticism.
Use 'Ham' for impact
Adding 'ham' (ککش هم نگزید) makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It adds that 'not even' emphasis.
Watch your tone
If you say this about a superior, it might sound like you're calling them irresponsible. Use with caution in the workplace.
The 'Shrug' Factor
This idiom is almost always accompanied by a physical shrug or a 'poker face' expression.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
هر چقدر به او گفتم که وقت ندارد، باز هم نشست و فیلم دید؛ انگار ککش ______.
The past tense 'nagazid' is the most natural fit for a completed observation of indifference.
Which sentence best describes someone who is 'thick-skinned' and ignores insults?
کدام جمله درست است؟
The negative form with 'ham' (even) is the standard way to express this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: شنیدی که رئیس میخواد اخراجت کنه؟ علی: آره شنیدم، ولی ______.
Ali is talking about himself, so he must use the first-person enclitic '-am'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesهر چقدر به او گفتم که وقت ندارد، باز هم نشست و فیلم دید؛ انگار ککش ______.
The past tense 'nagazid' is the most natural fit for a completed observation of indifference.
کدام جمله درست است؟
The negative form with 'ham' (even) is the standard way to express this idiom.
سارا: شنیدی که رئیس میخواد اخراجت کنه؟ علی: آره شنیدم، ولی ______.
Ali is talking about himself, so he must use the first-person enclitic '-am'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt can be. It's informal. If you say it about someone's lack of empathy, it's a criticism. If you say it about someone's bravery, it's a compliment.
Yes! 'Kok-am ham nagazid' is a great way to say 'I didn't let it get to me.'
You change the pronoun: 'Kok-emaan nagazid' (Our fleas didn't bite).
Related Phrases
عین خیالش نبود
synonymIt wasn't even in his thoughts/worry.
پوستکلفت
similarThick-skinned.
بیرگ
specialized formVeinless / Lacking zeal.
خم به ابرو نیاوردن
similarTo not even knit one's brows.
