Ars (slang)

Ars (Hebrew: ערס `ars), or Arsim (the plural in Hebrew) is an Israeli subculture, and a slang term in Hebrew. Originally used as an ethnic slur referring to Mizrahi Jews, the term has evolved and is now more broadly applied to describe anyone part of a perceived thuggish subculture of machismo. An ars is often depicted as loud and brash. ^[1] The stereotype of an ars typically includes being crude, using vulgar language, hanging out with criminal types, seeking fights, and wearing flashy clothing (e.g. tank tops) and jewelry.^[2][3][4] The term derives from the Arabic word for pimp.^[5] Those who attempt to be an ars but are perceived as lacking the confidence of a typical ars are referred to by the slang term "Ars TzaAtzua" (Toy ars).

Etymology

The term derives its origin from the Arabic word Ars (Arabic: عرص, ʿarṣ) – which means shepherd, and is used colloquially to refer to pimps (who "shepherd" prostitutes).^{[citation needed]} The term has no connection to the British English slang word 'arse.'

History

While ars originated as a derogatory term for Mizrahim, it is also used for members of other ethnicities in Israeli society,^[2][1] such as Russian-speaking immigrants or young men of Ethiopian origin.^[6]

In 2013, an Israeli labor court ruled that a prospective employer discriminated against a Mizrahi applicant by calling him an ars.^[7][8] This case set the precedent for recognizing the term ars as a racial epithet.^[7][8]

In 2014, a documentary series called Arsim uFrekhot (frekha is a feminine equivalent epithet aimed at Mizrahi women) was broadcast on Israeli television.^[9][10] The series examines the history of discrimination against Mizrahim and the social norms of white privilege versus Mizrahi marginalization as they appear in Israeli society.^[11]

The mannerisms associated with pimps in the early days of the State of Israel, which formed the basis of the stereotypical ars: lack of education, associating with criminals, being prone to violence, hailing from low class neighborhoods, dressing in loud clothing, wearing gold chain necklaces or bracelets and using vulgar speech.^[1] Related terms used by the Ashkenazi majority were "pushtak" (vacuous) and "tchakh-chakh" (riffraff).^[1]

Sometimes the word ars is "feminized" by adding a feminine suffix (arsit), although it is not commonly used for women. The word frekha is the closest feminine epithet that is applied to Mizrahi women.^[4] A "frekha" is the implied partner, neighbor, or relative of the ars, but the characteristics ascribed to her are different – the frekha is low-class, dresses gaudily, wears too much makeup, has long and brightly colored nails; she is flighty, shallow, a slave to fashion, and uneducated.^[12][13]

Dudu Faruk is a comedic character and musician based on the "ars" stereotype. His songs include "Arak Arak Arak" ^[14] and ״Tik Tok".^[15]

See also

• Maroco sakin
• Jojo Khalastra
• Chav
• Gopnik
• Guido (slang)
• Greaser