Daybreak Warrior's Archive of Navajo Slang

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Navajo Slang

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Other Slang Sites: The American's Guide To Speaking British SlangSite.com - The Slang Dictionary Urban Dictionary: Define Your World Dictionary of English Slang and Colloquialisms of the UK Trucker's Slang OfficeSlang.com Jim Eccleston's Slang Links Page Covino and Rich: What Dat Mean? Blue Corn Comics: Native American Slang	This page has a small collection of cool Navajo words that are slang expressions or new Navajo words for certain objects or places. The Navajo language is versatile enough to gain phrases for objects in use today. The phrases used here are words that I hear my relatives use & may not be phrases other families use. Here is a sample of a few. Note: the phrases listed on this site are not all-inclusive. There is alot of slang phrases used that are not listed here. Also, the Navajo reservation is so big that different parts of the reservation may use different slang terms than those listed here! I don't provide all the proper forms of how to use these words. In other words, some background in Navajo language is required. Some phrases have sound clips. Click on the to hear the phrase in Navajo. Hope these are enjoyable!
		AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Navajo phrase: Naałniih yich’ą́ą́h naabaahígíí baah dahoo'aahgo This is the word literally means, "disease of the disease fighter". The body's immune system is called "disease fighter" (naałniih yich’ą́ą́h naabaahígíí) in Navajo, so this term describes what is going on at that stage of HIV infection, when the body is no longer able to fight off disease. Scroll down below for another variant, listed as HIV. This is taken from the Center for Development and Disabilty website. I had stated in 2007 that I included this as a slang phrase because it is not really in use & that there is no real word for AIDS. Since then, time has changed & "naałniih yich’ą́ą́h naabaahígíí baah dahoo'aahgo" has become a standard phrase description in Navajo.
		To apologize Suggested Navajo phrase: Nich’i̜’ doo akó̜ó̜ ásdzaaígíí shi'diił'á The phrase literally means, "I feel bad for what I did." When you say, "...doo akóó ásdzaaígíí...", usually this is for one mistake. For repeated mistakes, some people say, "Nich’i̜’ doo akóó ásht'įįdígíí shi'diił'á." People frequently say there is no way of saying I'm sorry. This is partially true in that there is no direct translation but this can be described. It is possible to say, "Forgive me," in Navajo. For examples of this, see the entry below for forgive me. Some people use other phrases to describe, "I'm sorry," like "doo ayóo shił áhót'ée da" (It didn't seem right to me), "t'áá na'níle'dii nich'i̜' haasdzíí'" (I spoke foolishly or too rash to you), or "baa shíni'," (I feel bad about it). Navajos joke that this is the reason grudges among Navajos exist for a long time.
		Bashas Diné Market Navajo name: Béézhaazh Bashas is a grocery store chain that is spread all over the state of Arizona, in Needles, CA, & Crownpoint, NM. It is also very prominent on the Navajo reservation. The literal definition is "scraped away," mainly because it sounds very close to the words Bashas itself. It is used in sentences like,"Bichidí t'óó béézhaazh," which means, "his car is scraped up!"
		Beer Navajo name: Bizhéé' hólóní The word literally means "the one that has saliva." This is used for foamy beer. Alcoholic beverages go by many other names, such as tó diłhił (black water), tó łichxíí (red water), or tó tsi'naa'iiłáhí (water that makes the mind crazy). Navajos from Alamo area also use the term tó hastł'ishii (muddy water), which is the term used by neigbouring Mescalero Apache Indians.
		Best Friend, etc. Navajo phrase: Yił Ahidíltléé' This phrase means something like "stuck together with him, her, or it." I heard this term in White Rock, NM, visiting my grandfather's relatives. It is not a common word. The more common term for "my friend" is shik'is or shił naa'aash. Other ways to say friend are described by saying, "Éí ałhi sikée łeh (He/she visits him/her often)," or yił ahéédiit'ash (runs around with him/her) Examples: Éí shicheii yił ahidíltléé'. He's my grandfather's best buddy. Alex shił ahidíltléé'. Alex is my best friend.
		To play bingo Navajo phrase: Naa'ółí naalzhoodí This word describes "moving the beans around". I hear this was a common term. Since most people use the English word in Navajo conversation, this word is being forgotten. This word orginated back when people played bingo and used beans to cover the numbers. Examples: Naa'ółí naalzhoodí yee ndaanéégóó deekai. We're going to the Bingo Hall (Literally: We're going to where they play moving the beans around) More information on the history of bingo can be found at:
		Blake's Lotaburger Navajo name: Jáád Ts'ósí The literal definition is "skinny legs" because of the store's sign. This is a store chain in the New Mexico area. I believe this is another family name like Dr. Mario. Other families probably don't use this! Example: Jáád Ts'ósídi da'iidáá'! We ate at Blake's!
		Burger King Navajo name: 'Áh Bikiin The literal definition is "just enough food to get strength from". Only my grandma's sister uses this term. I thougt it was cute so I added it. The phrase comes from phrases used like, "Díí bikiin naashnish doo," which means, "from this I'll have the energy to work."
		To get burned (insulted) Navajo phrase: Áłt’ąą la' hóníí' 'o'oołts'id! This word literally means "his/her face caved in! This is used when someone is so insulted, the other person is speechless. It is typically only used in 3rd person.
		To be a butthead! Navajo phrase: Yáadilá tł'a'iiyahii! This is used when someone is calling someone else a butthead. It is only used among close relatives, used to break the ice or ease the tension after an argument.
		Cancer Navajo phrase: Łóód doo nádziihii This is the word literally means, "the sore that doesn't heal". This word wouldn't be considered slang since there really wasn't no other word on the reservation for cancer until recently. This was the only term used. This phrase has fallen out of favor because implies that there is no cure. A Navajo cancer glossary now exists that goes into depth on discussing these complex concepts. The general new term for cancer is, "ats’íís bitł’óól dah díníisééh dóó ba’át’e’ hólǫ́ yileeh," which describes body cells being diseased & growing uncontrollably. Based on the different types of cancer, the terminology can change. Small word differences make a huge translation difference so these concepts are best left to be used by Navajo language experts. To get information on cancer terminology in Navajo & it's complexity, you can click on the following link: Glossary for Basic Cancer Terminology in the Navajo Language
		Can't eat any more Navajo phrase: Hadiiłch'ee' This word describes the mouth being spread open wide & being stuffed. This phrase can be only used to describe being full of meat. This phrase can't be used for being merely full. Rather, it is used when you're so full you can't stand the sight of whatever meat you're eating. Examples: Ayóo shidiiłch'ee'! I really can't eat any more! Gary dibe bitsi' bidiiłch'ee'. Gary can't eat any more mutton!
		Cell Phone Navajo name: Bił níjoobałí This word, which literally means, "One spins around with this," is a common word on the reservation. It is rumored that this term came around from the way teenagers look when they twirl around while talking on the cell phone. In using this term, there are no prefixes used, such as shibił níjoobałí (my cellphone). It is referred to merely as "bił níjoobałí." Examples: Bił níjoobałí bił nínáánáshbał! I'm running around with my cell phone! (I'm spinning around with the spinner!) Bił níjoobałí níléíiji sitá! The cell phone is lying over there! Tom éí bił níjoobał dah yinááyoo'ááł! Tom is carrying around the cell phone! Note: Another variant is "bił níjooyisí," which describes something you poke at here & there... as if trying to catch the cell signal. This was more common in the 90's.
		Cocaine Navajo name: Níí'ii'niłí This literally means "you put it in the nose." I heard this word working at Albuquerque IHS. This word is used in the Albuquerque/Alamo Navajo areas. Example: Ashkii léi' níí'ii'niłí ła' nayiisnii'. Éí biniinaa yaa ahóółt'e'. That particular boy bought some cocaine. For that reason he was arrested
		To Be cold, have the chills, etc. Navajo phrase: Hak'az shich'i' iidííjéé' The phrase above literally means "I was jumped by the cold." It is normally used in phrases such as, "ashiiké shich'i' iidííjéé!" ( I was jumped by some guys). The more common way of saying this is "yishdlóóh" (I'm cold) or "hak'az shii' náálwo'" (the cold is running around in me). Example: Hak'azísh nich'i' iidííjéé'? Do you have the chills? (Were you attacked by the cold?)
		Commodity Food Navajo name: Na'ajaahí This word describes carrying several items. Some people use "na'ajaahí" for commodity cheese alone.
		Computer Navajo name: Béésh Ntsikeesí This literally means "the metal that thinks."
		Condom Navajo name (1): Akáá' ałtsoozígíí The literal definition is "the sheet-like object placed on top." Example: Akáá' ałtsoozígíí shaa nínííł! Give me some condoms!
		Navajo name (2): Jeeh Dígházii The literal definition is "rubber," not the verb of rubbing but the noun, "rubber." Jeeh means "gum," & dígház describes something corrugated or "squeaky." Since condoms are ribbed... the term describes it multiple ways. There technically isn't a word for condoms in Navajo. The first version was a version I heard somewhere. The second was one that I came up with while working with a Health Technician at Tsaile Health Center named Virgil Begay. With his help, I generated a video on How to Use a Condom (Navajo Language Translation). You can click on that link to view the video & content.
		To Be Cool Navajo phrase (1): Bi sih Pronounced S-YIH. A Y not shown exists in this word. The phrase above is slang for "he's cool" or "she's cool." The correct use of this word is used in phrases like " doo sih da," meaning "it's not good." The phrase "doo sih da" can also be slang for "it doesn't meet my expectations." Examples: Chxóóh ni sih! You are really cool! (if using as a come-on line!) Shakira biyiin ániidígíí do sih da. Shakira's new song does not meet my expectations! US bá tin bikáá' bi na'ateeígíí bi na'azteelgo doo sih da sha'shin. When the US figure skaters skated, they didn't do a good job.
		Navajo phrase (2): Hak'e'dziisxiih! This version is a variant of #1. Using this goes as far to say that someone dresses cool, is awesome, hot, fine, is good at everything, etc. This is hard to translate into English. Example: Shí ayóo shik'e'dziisxiih! I'm lookin' good!
		Navajo phrase (3): Ch'íidiísh nizhóníyee'! This variant applies to objects, something that is really, really awesome. Still, this can only be used among select people since this phrase can be offensive. It literally translates to "the devil that's nice"! Anything that has the word "ch'íidii" is considered a cuss word in Navajo. Example: Ch'íidiísh nizhóníyee'! That's hella-tight!
		To crave mutton Navajo phrase: ach'ááh bi'niihí Mutton (sheep meat) is a delicacy on the reservation. There are many, many slang terms revolving around mutton. This is one of them. Another is when people burp and finish by saying ííshga dó', which means "I want mutton!" Examples: Niyáázh ach'ááh bi'niihí sha'shin. I think your son is craving mutton. Kin Náádázídi kééhasht'íigo ach'ááh shi'niihíí nít'éé'. I was craving mutton when I was living at New York City.
		To go on a date, go out, etc. Navajo phrase (1): Naa nishoodí The literal definition means "I'm going to drag you around." Be careful with this phrase. To some people, it can mean "Let's make out." Examples: Na'ííshoodísh nít'éé'? Were you out on a date? Aoo' héih... na'ashood nít'éé'! Oh yeah... I was on a date! Howard éí tl'éédáá' na'ashood ne'. I thought Howard was on a date last night!
		Navajo phrase (2): Nanisdzíís The literal definition means "I'm going to carry you or haul you around."This is not as common as the previous variant. This is more deep rez. Examples: Ti' nandeesdzxíís! Let me take you out! Ndzíndzxíízísh? Did you go out? Na'asdzíís nít'éé'! I was on a date!
		Days Inn in St. Michael's, AZ Navajo name: Ba' Dziztiní The literal definition means "lying down waiting for someone." This is the name for the Days Inn, specifically at St. Michaels, AZ, west of Window Rock, AZ, on State Highway 264 towards Ganado, NM. It is not known where this name came from.
		To be in a deep sleep Navajo phrase: yiik'ih dah sizí This word literally means "he/she's standing on top of it." People understand this as a person who is totally out or sleeping well. Examples: Chxóóh bik'i dah sizóo yiiská! I slept really good! Toby chxóóh yiik'ih dah sizí. Toby is out (he's sleeping)! Bik'i dah hiizi' lá! I was out! (Past tense phrasing, compared to the first example.)
		To divorce someone or die Navajo phrase (1): Daha'diiłjid The phrase literally means "he or she hauled it away". Commonly you hear, "akóó daha'diiłjid ne' ," which means "he was hauling his load here a minute ago." Examples: K'asdáa' dahadiiłjid. I almost died! (I almost packed it all up!) Na'ííłjid. He died. (He packed up his stuff) Nídiichxo'ó na'ííłjid. He got mad and divorced her. (He got mad, packed up, and went home) Navajo phrase (2): k'adée náháłtł'iid This phrase means "I'm exhausted or dying." This literally means I'm about to thow it in, like the English phrase "throw in the towel."
		To be drunk Navajo phrase (1): bił naak'ai' This phrase can either mean to be "drunk" or "hung-over. It literally means "his (or her) legs are spread apart." Most people say bił honeezdoh for being drunk. Being "lightly buzzed" but not totally drunk has a similar variant. The phrase for this is bił háák'ai'. Examples: Éí adáádáá' bił naak'ai'go bił nániikai. Yesterday, he came back with us all drunk. T'áadoo baa honísingóó shił háák'ai'. Before I realized it, I was buzzed.
		Dr. Mario Navajo phrase: Azee' handéhé This phrase literally means, "falling medicine." My grandma and her older sister are the only people who use this word. Both of their grandchildren taught them how to play the original NES system. This is their favorite game, along with Tetris. Examples: Shimásání dóó bádí azee' handéhé yee naanée łeh. My grandma and her older sister play Dr. Mario quite frequently.
		Dumb Blonde Navajo name: Bilagáanaałtsoí This phrase literally means "yellow-haired Anglo." A more common term for someone who is outright-ditsy is "t'óó hodiilzha'. The latter term is a phrase that the older-generation Navajos will understand
		Ecstasy, E, XTC, Hug Drug, MDMA, etc. Navajo name: Da'alzhishí Bi'azee' This literally means "dancer's medication." Also, a few of my cousins say it is also called "azee' ditsxizí," (the medication that makes you jittery).
		Fireworks Navajo name: Naaltsoos dildóní This literally means "exploding paper."
		Flea Market Navajo phrase: Hazhdiilwo'ii This phrase literally means, "You Walk Through It." There are many slang terms in Navajo for Flea Market. This is just one of them.

		To be a flirt, to seduce someone, etc. Navajo phrase: Yich'i̜’ yił pop The phrase above literally means "he/she's popping towards someone.." The word "pop" is the same word in English. So, this slang is a version of Nav-lish. This phrase is common in the Lukachukai area. Whether or not it's used elsewhere is unknown. Example: Háísh bich'i̜’ nił pop? Who are you flirting with? Ch'ééhísh shich'i̜’ nił pop? Are you trying to seduce me?
		To forgive Navajo phrase: Bąąh nízhdí'aah Though the literal definition is "take it off of someone," it is largely understood as forgiveness. Example: Nihąąh nídeet'á. You've been forgiven. Shąąh ńdiní'aah. Forgive me. Bąąh nídideesh'ááł. I'll forgive you.
		Being Full Navajo phrase (1): Biyaa niséłt’į’ Though this phrase implies, "I adjusted my belt underneath it," it means that "I really ate well." Biyaa means, "under it," implying under a full belly. Niséłt’į’ means, "I made a line," describing the line of the belt being reconnected (under the belly). The correct way of saying I'm full is hwiih sélíí' or nániichaad. Examples: Ayóo biyaa ndaasiilt'į'. We (3 or more people) really pigged out. Aniidíyee' shimásání baghandi niséłt’į.’ A little while ago, I really ate well at my grandma's house.
		Navajo phrase (2): Jíníshchxosh This is an extremely old phrase that only the very elderly will remember. I was told by one of my clan grandmothers of this word. I asked my parents & they didn't know the word. I asked my grandma before she passed... and she verified it is a word that means, "I'm full.." Since this is a term used only by elderly, I consider it slang. I posted a video in regards to this word. You can check it out by clicking on this link. Example: K’adéi jíníshchxosh. Now, I'm really full.
		Gang or Gangs Navajo name (1): Ahínda'ahiiltéhígíí This means "those that join together." Unlike the previous, this is not Navajo slang. Rather, this is the correct or proper term used in Navajo to describe gangs. This is the phrasing that would be used in news reports, such as on KTNN, when talking about gangs.
		Gangsta, gang member, thug, or anyone who dresses ghetto Navajo name (1): t'aají éé' ndaazí This literally means "the one with heavy pants." Navajos who to dress gangsta on the rez tend to wear sagging jeans, so people associate this with "heavy pants." Other terms include "awályaaí," which means "prisoner" and "chaa' neiyéhé," which I won't translate because it is too descriptive. Examples: T'aají éé' ndaazí éí ashkii nááná a' nabí'jígizh. That gansta threw another boy some gang signs. Aníídíyee' t'aají éé' ndaazí kóó bi o'oolwod. A little while ago, a gangsta drove by.
		Navajo name (2): ch'ah digizii This literally means "crooked cap." This is my own name for a gangsta... mady by daybreak warrior himself.
		G-string, thong, etc. Navajo name: t'eh ts'ózí The literal definition is "the slender strip that covers the behind." Example: Niléí at'ééd t'eh ts'ózí yit'íigo naaghá. That girl is walking around with her thong showing.
		Girlfriend/Boyfriend Navajo name: Bich'áayaa íí'áhí This word literally means "the one that sticks up from under his armpit." It is descriptive of couples that walk around with one arm over the shoulder of the other. There really is no word for girlfriend or boyfriend in Navajo. Some people say "she'ashkii" (my boy) or "she'at'eed" (my girl). Most people tend to mix Navajo and English, such as "Díí shi girlfriend át'é!" (This is my girlfriend!). The next closest equivalent is "shik'is," but this generally only means "my friend" or "my cousin." Examples: Díí shich'áayaa íí'áhí át'é! This is my girlfriend (This is the one that sticks up from under my armpit!) Bich'áayaa íí'áhí nishí! He is my boyfriend. (I am the one that sticks up underneath his armpit!)
		To hang out or hang around Navajo phrase: dah naashch'aa The literal definition means "I'm hanging from something," like a monkey will hang from a tree or a cat hanging on curtains, freely in the air. For bilingual Navajos (speaking Navajo & English), they'll understand this. The older Navajos, unfamiliar with Anglo slang, will not understand the humor in this statement. Example: Ha'at'íísh baa naahkai? (What are the 3 of you doing?) T'óó kóó dah ndeelch'aa! (We're just hanging around here!)
		Being high, fried, blazed, stoned, etc. (from recreational drug use) Navajo phrase: bi naareel This phrase has no literal meaning, other than being "high." Most Native speakers will know what this phrase means though. The phrase above means "he's high." The phrase is unique in that the Navajo language contains no "r" sounds. The origin of this phrase is unknown. The proper term for being high is more like "t'óó bi nahaaghááh," which roughly means he's all out of it. Others will use the term for being drunk to describe being stoned, such as "bi honeezdoh" (he's drunk). Examples: Ayóo bi naareel. He's really high T'éédáá' doo iihaazh da. Éí biniinaa t'óó shi naareel nahonishin. Last night, I didn't sleep at all. That's why it seems like I'm stoned.
		HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Navajo name: Asdzáá algaanii bideezla' ba'álííl aji This is the word used among Navajo healers (medicine men) for this. This was mentioned by Frank Nez, a Substance Abuse Counselor who works for the Dine Behavioral Health Services in Tuba City, AZ, in Leading The Way Magazine. Scroll above to see the phrase for AIDS. [Nez, F. (2006). Working With Teenagers. Leading The Way - The Wisdom of the Navajo People, 4(4), 4-5.]
		Holy Roller Navajo word: Daachxago Ndaamaasí This is the word literally means, "those that roll around crying," but Navajos know it as the equivalent to the English phrase "Holy Roller," which is a term for Christians who attend rowdy Revivals, one after another. Example: "Éí Daachxago Ndaamaasí atah," dashiní. They say, "He's a Holy-Roller."
		Humidity Navajo name: Ních'i Ditéé' The literal definition is "wet wind" or "wet weather." Example: Akaii Bikéyah áájí ních'i ayóo ditéé' eh! It is usually humid in Texas!
		To be hung-over Navajo phrase: bá yooléé This describes ... but people will understand it as "he's hung over." Some people may pronounce this as "bá yiléél." Example: Abíínídáá' chxóóh shá yooléego nídiishna'. Early this morning, I got up extremely hung-over.
		To listen to music, jam out, etc. Navajo phrase (1): bi deich'iish Though this phrase literally means "they're scratching/sawing/filing with him." It is found in words like "bee ach'iishí" (guitar), which means you scratch with it; "niwoo' nch'iish" (brush your teeth); "díí iishch'iish" (I'm sawing through this), or "k'íních'iish" (saw it, a command). This phrase can also describe a band playing really good. See the examples for this! Examples: Shi deich'iish. I'm listening to music (jamming out). Shi I-Pod bee t'óó nihi deich'iish! We're jamming to music from my I-Pod. AFI wáadzoh deich'iish! AFI is really good (they can really play/scratch it out)! Jesus yich'iish! Jesus ROCKS! (he can really play/scratch it out)!
		Navajo phrase (2): bi deitsxid Though this phrase literally means "they're beating on something with him." It is found in words like "atsidí" (Silversmith), which means he beats on it. Examples: Shi deitsxid. I'm jamming out to music. Nihéé t'óó nihi deitsxid! Us? We're jamming to music. Niísh deitsxid? Are you jamming out?
		Mall Navajo word: Da'iiniih Ahá Dah Dí'áadi This is the word literally means, "where the stores are connected". Example: Ti', da'iiniih ahá dah dí'áágóó diit'ash. Let's go the mall right now.
		Marijuana Navajo name: Naakai Binát'oh This phrase literally means "Mexican Cigarettes" or "Mexican Tobacco," and it is widely used all across the reservation. The proper term for "recreational drugs" in Navajo is azee' tsi'naa'iiáhí," which literally translates to "medicine that makes the mind crazy." It is applied to any substance, such as meth, cocaine, heroin, etc. Examples: Naakai binát'oh chiyoo'iih shiní. He told me he uses marijuana.
		Methamphetamine, Meth, Crystal, etc. Navajo name (1): tséso' The literal definition is "glass" since light bulbs are used to smoke meth. This term is not used much, except by educators and law enforcement officials on the Navajo Reservation. It was mentioned in a focus report on methamphetamine use on the Navajo Reservation broadcasted on KTNN, on March 18, 2006. To hear the effects of methamphetamine described in the Navajo language, click on the mp3 download available here from www.sheepheadfilms.com.
		Navajo name (2): azee' atah naashbézhí Navajo name (3): atah náázh béézh This word describes how this "medicine" is boiled among other things, since it is made in clandestine labs by being boiled with other ingredients. This term was originally introduced by Char James, a Meth Educator for Navajo Nation Department of Behavioral Health. Still, there is some controversy over the utility of this term since it is similar to another Navajo word "atah na'a béézh," a mixture of corn & meat used in various ceremonies. Originally, Char James used the term ats'íís yiyání, which means "body eater". Still, this term also generates some confusion since ats'íís yiyání is used for the word "leprosy". Though leprosy is not common on the Navajo reservation, it is a common term to Christian Navajos who read about leprosy from the Navajo Bible. To read more about this controversy, click on the link below to read the article, courtesy of Navajo Times Online: Meth Mix-Up
		Microwave Navajo name: Bee na'niildóhó This phrase literally means "you warm things up with it."
		Movie Theater Navajo name: Da'níl'íidi The literal definition means "where they are shown."
		MySpace Navajo name: Shi Hahoodzogii The literal definition is "where there's a border around me." This type of phrasing is typically used with describing physical land that is bordered with a line like states or counties. For example, Arizona Hoozdó Hahoodzooígíí (Where The Hot Area Is Bordered With A Line) or a National Forest as Nídíshchíí' Bi Hahoodzohígíí (The Pine Trees That Are Bordered With A Line). Since this phrase describes physical land, out of context people will understand this as a person's physical land. A MySpace profile would be worded as shaa hane'ígíí (the thing that tells about me). Examples: Shi hahoodzogii shá níní'í. Check out my MySpace page! Bi hahoodzoígíísh bá níní'íí'? Did you see her MySpace page? Naa hane'ígíí nits'áá' néé'íí'! I saw your MySpace profile!
		New York City Navajo name: Kin Náádází This phrase literally means "where the buildings fell." This is a recent term, occurring after 9/11. As with most Navajo places, the name for it is descriptive. The more common term for NYC is Kin Yót'ááh Deez'á, which means "where the buildings stick up into the sky." This is the word that would be heard on the radio, on KTNN.
		To be a player, pimp, etc. Navajo phrase (1): Sáanii t'óó yitah yilwo! The phrase above literally means "he's running among the women.." This phrase can be used a lot of different ways, for example: Examples: Éí ólta' t'óó yitah yilwo He's in and out of school! (He enrolls in and out of his classes) Éí naanish t'óó yitah yilwo He's in and out of jobs! (He starts one job, quits it, then starts, then quits...) Niyáázh sáanii t'óó yitah yilwo daaní! They're saying your son is a player!
		Navajo phrase (2): Yi haayííjaa'! The phrase above literally means "he brought them in," meaning he brought in the girls. This one is also slang to say "he nailed them." Examples: Éí yi haayííjaa'! He's a pimp! (He brought in the girls) Bi haashjaah! I'm a pimp! (I bring in the girls) Bi héííníjaa'ísh? Did you bring in the girls/nail them? Aoo', bi héííjaa'? Yes, I nailed them?
		Navajo word (3): Naanéhé Navajo word (4): Naanéhígíí The phrase above is a literal translation of "player" in English, such as someone who is playing a board game or a member of a sports team.
		To perfect something Navajo phrase: Yii heiiyíízóóz This phrase literally means "he peeled it off," though it is slang for saying he or she pulled it off or perfected it. This can also be slang for "he/she is dressed all snazzy or is all dolled up!" Words similar to this phrase are bii' hanízóós (pull it thru this [object]) or biníkánízóós (pull it thru this hole), neither of which are slang. Examples: Bii heiízóóz! I did it, or I accomplished it! (I pulled it off) Óta' baa didíízóós! Make sure you study hard! (Peel off the studying!)
		To be pregnant Navajo phrase: nizhníyíh This phrase literally means "hauled in a load." The correct term is yiltsá (she's pregnant). Examples: Nihaa nizhníyíh! She came back to us pregnant! (She hauled in a load for us)
		To procrastinate Navajo phrase: T'óó bi náás hoo'áá This phrase literally means "to put it ahead," it is slang for procrastinating. You can also say "t'óó bi náás hoolzhish." Example: Baa ííníshta'ígíí t'óó bi náás hweesh'áá! I keep putting off my studies!
		Red Neck Navajo name: K'os ichí'í This literally means "Red Neck." It is a direct translation of the English word.
		Ramen Noodles Navajo phrase: Hastóí Bee Yigání This phrase describes an item that makes a man skinny. People also say, "Ayéhé Bee Yigání." This means, "The Thing that Thins the Inlaw."
		To be rezzy, fresh off the rez, hillbilly, etc. Navajo phrase: Ho'dích'ildéé' háátlizh This phrase means "to fall out of the thick bushes or weeds." This phrase comes from the Albuquerque area. More people are familiar with the more term being all john, jigháan, jáwn, or however they spell it to mean real rezzy. Example: Éí aníídíyee' ho'dích'ildéé' háátlizh daats'í! It's like he fell out of the bushes a little while ago!
		To be rushing around, speeding, etc. Navajo phrase (1): tsxíigo bi oohsxa (present tense) This phrase means "to be excited." Using this term implies really speeding around and kicking up dust. Examples: Tsxíigo shi oohsxa! I'm in a rush (or speeding around)! Háágóó ni oohsxa? Where are you rushing off to? Navajo phrase (2): ts'íigo bi íísaal (past tense tense) This phrase has the same meaning as the previous, except this is the past-tense form. Examples: Tsxíigo bi íísaal! He took off fast! Naatsédlózhii léi' chxóóh bi íísaal! The roadrunner was really speeding off, throwing up dust!
		Sagebrush Liquor Navajo name: Ts'ah Bii' Njik'a'í Sagebrush Liquor is a liquor store located just off the border of the Navajo Nation between Black Hat, NM and Yatahey, NM on State Route 264. The literal definition means "being drunk in the sagebrush."
		Snow Flurry Navajo phrase: Ayéhé néiidiníyódí This phrase literally means "the weather that drives the in-laws in." It is reserved for the type of snow storms that start off violently very quickly & then disappears as quickly as it starts. Among the Navajo people, the in-laws are lightly teased, which is the reason behind this phrase. This is very, very old Navajo slang.
		To contract an STD ( Sexually Transmitted Disease ) Navajo phrase: Yiih hííyá The literal definition is "he (or she) went inside or among it." Still, Navajos will understand this as saying, "he (or she) caught/has an STD." Examples: Biih hííníyáhísh? Did you catch an STD? Biih hííyáá lá! I caught an STD!
		Star Trek/Leonard Nemoy/Vulcan Navajo name: Jaadon This is not a popular term. The only person who used this term that I know of was my grandpa, Wado Bochinclonny. The term literally means, "ears sticking up." Jaa' means, "ear.", Don is a past-tense form of the suffix, "-dǫǫd," meaning, "to straighten. Examples: “Yáa, da’ Jaadonísh ch’ínáánáálkeed?” "Really, is Star Trek showing again?" “Jaadon, nił hodéezyéélgo hánílyį́į́h!” "Rest in peace, Leonard Nemoy!"
		T&R Market Navajo name: Yahajilzho'í T&R Market is a grocery store 5-miles north of Gallup south of Yatahey, NM, on State Highway 264. The literal definition of the word above is "where you slide in" because this store is located on a slant of a hill. Driving in from Gallup, NM, you would drive down the hill into T&R Market.
		To tag a building Navajo phrase: yik'i na'aghaz This word literally means "to scribble on it" since most tagging looks like scribble to the elderly. Similarly, "tagger" is yik'i na'aghazí Examples: Carlos kin yik'i na'aghaz. Carlos tagged the building. Éí bik'i nséghaz! I tagged over that!
		Text (i.e. as in texting) Navajo phrase: Saad Naat’a’í This literally means "flying words." Saad means, "words," and naat'a'í means, "The One That Flies." Examples: Saad naat’a’í shich’į adíílííł. Text me. Saad naat’a’í bee hágo bidííniid. I texted him/her to come over.
		Telephone Navajo name: Béésh bee hane'é This word, which literally means "the metal by which you talk" wouldn't be considered slang since there really is no other word on the reservation for phone. This is the only term used. It is only listed here for completeness. This word is also used for "phone number." Examples: Níísh nibéésh bee hane'é diits'a'? Is your phone ringing? Haa'ísha' nibéésh bee hane'é bee shi hólne'? Can I have your phone number?
		Television Navajo name: Ních'ih naalkidí This word wouldn't be considered slang since there really is no other word on the reservation for TV. This is the only term used. It is only listed here for completeness.
		Viagra Navajo name: Ná'oojií azee' This literally means "libido medication." I heard this word working at Albuquerque IHS. This word is used in the Albuquerque/Alamo Navajo areas.
		Volkswagen Bug Navajo name: Chidí Né'éshtií This phrase literally means "vehicle booger" or "vehicle-snot." My family doesn't use this word but I've heard other families use it. Example: T'óó na'níle'dii chidí né'éshtií bi ndzit'iih. He's driving the VW Bug all roughly.
		Volkswagen Van Navajo name: Chidíshmiil Chidí means "vehicle" but the root "-shmiil" has no meaning. My family doesn't use this word but friends told me this word is also used: Example: Chidíshmiil léi' bi yilwo. He's driving around in the VW Van Ashiiké chidíshmiil bi ndzit'iih nít'éé' The guys were driving around the volkswagen van.
		To watch a movie. Navajo phrase: bináá na'alkid. This phrase means it is showing in front of him/her. Example: Shináá na'alkid. I'm watching a movie! Nihináá ndoolkigóó diit'ash. Let's go to the movies (Let's go to where it will show in front of us)

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