11 Expressions You Will Definitely Hear When Visiting Malta in Summer

Think “Malta”, what comes to mind? The sea? Beaches? Perhaps a nice suntan? The ultimate vacation spot? Yes, such reveries of round-the-year sunshine and pristine beaches give a good inkling of what the islands have to offer. The archipelago enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, meaning short and mild winters followed by long, hot summers. Malta’s temperatures in summer often go above the 35°C mark. The Maltese have obviously had to learn how to live with the sweltering heat and know how to make the best out of it to enjoy the summer months to the full, be it on the beach soaking up the sun or on the boat sipping a piña colada. With that being said, it does not mean that you will never come across a local uttering words of protest against the intolerable heat that characterise the islands. The sun, the sea, and well… the insufferable summer heat, are ingrained so much in our collective psyche that they have also made their way into our language. Let’s have a look at some common expressions that you will definitely hear when visiting Malta in summer. 

1. Xemx taqli l-ftajjar

A very common idiom, literally meaning “a sun that fries bread”. You probably guessed it, this is uttered by locals when they want to say that the sun is blazing. You could say that the expression “baking hot” would come very close.

2. Xemx tixwi l-ankri

This common Maltese expression is a variant of the idiom that we have just mentioned above. The literal translation would be “a sun which scorches anchors”. If you happen to hear this expression when you’re out and about, make sure you’ve got your hat and sunscreen handy!

3. Baħar qisu żejt

A nice light breeze sweeps by as you walk along the beach for a light evening stroll. The sea is jet black, and so peaceful and smooth, it almost looks like the gods above have decided to turn the sea water into a luscious sea of black olive oil. Yes, this expression literally translates to “Sea [that looks] like oil”, denoting a very calm sea.

4. Sħana tboss

Pardon our French. Let’s make it clear that it is highly unlikely that you’ll ever find this expression in an official book of Maltese proverbs and idioms. Nonetheless, you are more than likely to hear this when visiting Malta in summer. You’ll likely hear it in the phrase, “Hawn sħana tboss!” If we had to translate “sħana tboss” literally, it would be “heat that farts”, therefore, a wave of heat that is so bad, it permeates just about everything it meets. TMI? Sorry.

5. Kemm hu riħ isfel!

Another thing islanders have had to learn to live with is the stifling humidity that envelopes the islands in the hottest months. “Riħ isfel” usually refers to a southern wind which is generally unpleasant, bringing humid and hot air, sometimes dust-ladened. Bring on the frizz!

6. X’ħedla qabditni f’daqqa waħda!

“Ħedla” literally translates to “lethargy”. You’ll often hear people mentioning ‘ħedla’ in the afternoon, or right after having lunch. The heat and the full belly join forces, and leave you wanting nothing more than a nice nap. This habit is quite common among Mediterranean folk, e viva la siesta!

7. Rewwaħli ftit b’dik l-imrewħa

The “imrewħa” is a life-saver if you are lucky enough to be visiting Malta during one of our frequent power-cuts in summer (blame it on all those ACs trying to keep up with the heat!), and frankly, a must-have given Malta’s weather in summer. The imrewħa is a hand-held fan, no batteries required, just a shake of your wrist! You might also come across a “palju”, which is also a hand-held fan, however, it has a long wooden handle and is traditionally used by men.

8. Kemm smart!

Literally: “You’ve got yourself a nice tan!”. Yes, it’s not easy having to bear the summer heat and the scorching sun in Malta, but there definitely is a positive side to it all… you’ll get a super smokin’ suntan 😀

9. Ħaditni x-xemx!

Notice the reference to the word “xemx” (sun). It is very similar in meaning to the previous expression, and a literal translation of this would be “the sun took me!”. This is usually used when people have a slight reddish tint to their skin just after spending some time in the sun, which will likely turn into a nice tan in the days that follow.

10. Ħa xemxata

Again, notice the reference to the word “xemx”. “Xemxata” literally translates to “sunstroke”. To avoid that from happening, limit sun exposure, and drink aplenty (water – not alcohol!)

11. Hawn nemusa ddur

One of the joys of humid hot weather! This expression roughly translates to: “There’s a mosquito buzzing in the air”. Make sure to stock up on some insect repellent, and possibly a citronella candle, for a mosquito-free summer experience 😎